Enhancing Rehabilitation Access: A Program Evaluation of Embrace a Child Program for Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluates the potential of the Embrace A Child Program, an initiative of the Open Arms Organization delivering telehealth-based occupational therapy, as a model for inclusive development and service delivery in the Philippines. The program responds to gaps in access to rehabilitation services for children with disabilities (CWD) in developing countries, where high costs, geographic isolation, and social exclusion remain persistent barriers.

Method: Using a concurrent mixed-methods design guided by the PACE Framework (Population and Health Outcomes, Access, Cost-Effectiveness, and Stakeholder Experiences), the study purposively sampled twenty-five caregivers and five volunteers for surveys and semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, with triangulation employed to enhance rigor and trustworthiness.

Results: Findings indicate that the program contributed to notable improvements in children’s functional participation, communication, and emotional and behavioral regulation. Telehealth delivery effectively extended services to underserved and geographically isolated communities while significantly reducing the financial burden on families. Stakeholders reported high satisfaction, citing strong therapeutic relationships and sustained caregiver engagement

Conclusions: The study demonstrates how Embrace A Child Program expands access to rehabilitation services through a cost-effective, stakeholder-endorsed, and community-based approach, albeit limited by a small sample size and the inherent risk of unconscious bias. The findings hold significant implications for the future practice of occupational therapists and related professionals, who may benefit from incorporating telehealth into community-based rehabilitation (CBR) models to enhance service delivery and inclusivity in underserved settings. Stakeholders are urged to explore telehealth-driven CBR models as viable approaches.