Early Intervention

Early Childhood Intervention – Lebanon (ECIL) was inspired by the belief in the interdependence of people within a community. Every individual bears a responsibility to those around him. And that everyone should be empowered to meet their full potential in terms of independence and pursuit of happiness. In so doing, we empower each other to become active members in society, insofar as they are able and in whatever capacity they can within their constraints. In light of that, and given the dearth of (effective) services offered to this particular demographic, with respect to age range (0-4 years), special needs, etc… By a multidisciplinary team, ECIL was founded.
It was from a profound need that ECIL was born.

“Early Childhood Intervention: Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs are designed to support young children who are at risk of developmental delay. Or young children who have been identified as having developmental delays or disabilities. ECI comprises a range of services and supports to ensure and enhance children’s personal development and resilience… Strengthen family competencies, and promote the social inclusion of families and children… Examples include specialized services such as: medical; rehabilitation (e.g. therapy and assistive devices). Family-focused support (e.g. training and counseling). Social and psychological; and special education, along with service planning and coordination; assistance and support to access mainstream services such as preschool and child-care (e.g. referral). Services can be delivered through a variety of settings including health-care clinics, hospitals, early intervention centers, rehabilitation centers, community centers, homes and schools.”
(https://www.who.int/disabilities/publications/other/ECDD_final_word.doc)

“Why support the development of children with disabilities?
Evidence-based research and multi-country experiences make a strong rationale for investing in ECD. Especially for children at risk of developmental delay or with a disability.

Human rights rationale:
Both the CRC and the CRPD state that all children with disabilities have the right to develop “to the maximum extent possible”… These instruments recognize the importance of focusing not only on the child’s health condition or impairment. But also on the influence of the environment as the cause of underdevelopment and exclusion…

Economic rationale:
Children with disabilities who receive good care and developmental opportunities during early childhood are more likely to become healthy and productive adults. This can potentially reduce the future costs of education, medical care and other social spending…