Collaborative Approaches to the Support of People with Disabilities: The Underserved and Unserved.

BACKGROUND: Underserved and unserved people are individuals who lack necessary health services. They can be found in both high- and low-income countries with disabilities in areas such as speech, language, hearing, swallowing, physical, and neurological, as well as other health problems. In addition, academic programs that prepare students to serve underserved or unserved communities do not exist in some countries. Collaborative projects allow those with expertise to share their knowledge, strategies, methods, and technologies with health practitioners, administrators, educators, students, and families. The goal is to assist populations who require special services. Collaborative projects can be interdisciplinary, international, or involve academic institutions or organizations. It is also essential that collaboration projects consider the strengths and assets that are present in the environment and in the population. This asset-based approach supports sustainability as long-term solutions can take advantage of existing strengths. Sustainability is essential so that the goals of projects can continue to contribute to a population.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this article is to present collaborative projects that positively impact underserved and unserved populations. The strengths of these projects are also presented as a model for further work.

SUMMARY: This article presents several collaborative projects, along with the impact of these efforts.