Development of a Communicative Disorders Training Program for Rwanda: Joining the Dots

Communication disabilities remain a challenge worldwide but more especially in the developing world. Unpublished data from the recently concluded categorization of persons with disabilities (PWDs) conducted in Rwanda estimated that approximately 40% of PWDs have a disorder of speech, language, or hearing. Based on challenges faced by clinicians during patient care, a decision to start a training program was reached and shared with university of Rwanda administration in 2012 to solicit support to offer the intended programs. The discussions and curricula planning culminated in a participatory stakeholder validation workshop in February 2016 with the purpose of brainstorming the way forward towards approval and implementation of the programs. Subsequently, in May 2016, a strategic planning workshop was held with the objective of mapping resources and budgeting for the long-term sustainability of the programs as well as establishment of the professions and employability of graduates. Currently, the important step is to get funding for the curricula implementation. Thus, this paper describes the process of development of two programs to train a cadre of professionals in communication disorders; specifically speech and language and audiology and solicits any potential and interested funder to partner with the University of Rwanda.