The Elsipogtog Quest for Excellence: The Institutionalization of an Innovative, Community-based Program for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Intervention of Preventable Pre-natal Birth Disabilities

Abstract

This research entailed three objectives, namely (1) place the AHTF project in context by describing the development of the sponsoring Eastern Door program and its Elsipogtog context; (2) assess the institutionalization of the Eastern Door program in Elsipogtog, and the contribution to that development by the AHTF project; (3) explore the emergence and possible enhancement of the Eastern Door as a centre of excellence as a community-based model of prevention, diagnosis and intervention for non-genetic birth disabilities (especially FASD) and related secondary disabilities. These objectives were occasioned by, but not limited by, a required assessment of the AHTF project which emphasized objective # 2 and, to a much lesser extent, objective #3.