App based Solutions

Identifying the problem

Globally, more than 1 billion children (100 Million children in India) face the risks for mental health challenges, abuse and disabilities (UNICEF 2009). These risks have multiplied many folds after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teachers awareness on identifying and managing risks are very low and hence life outcomes for these children are devastating. The risks often lead to severe learning crisis, high school drop-out rates, high unemployment rates, criminal activities and poverty.

Failure to identify and address these risks jeopardizes children’s future by hindering their progress in academics, life and relationships leading to their exclusion from society and workplace.

Teachers trained in using the App 3263 teachers in Tamil Nadu

50%

children are at risk for mental health challenges, disabilities and/or abuse

10%

children get identified and even lesser get help

80%

teachers are unaware of these risks

Setting up a committee

Committees were set-up with consultation from 150+ experts around the world. The consultation led to the development of the App framework and features.

Tech partner implementation

Sol's ARC in partnership with Mahiti developed the App.

Pilot testing of the App

The BETA version of the App was done in 2019. The App was piloted in Kanchipuram, Viluppuram and Theni districts in Tamil Nadu.

International publication

The research and findings of the App were published in the International Journal of Educational Research Open.

Government integration

We collaborated with the Ministry of Education and the Government of Tamil Nadu to incorporate the App's features into the state technological platform while making the project self-sustainable for the government.

Expansion in all States

Sol's ARC is working on integrating the App with various State Government in their platforms and with Civil Societies.

App for holistic screening of children at risk

Sol's ARC has developed an APP based solution through extensive research and consultations to help teachers identify children at risk and improve their access to schemes and services.

S

SCREEN children who are at risk for mental health issues, abuse and disabilities.

L

Learn tool to train teachers on how to manage such risks in the classroom.

A

Act to avail the benefits for children at risk by accessing scheme information and providing remote access for therapy and counselling.

T

Track implementation of schemes and policies by stakeholder role mapping.

E

Enable a better future for our children by empowering stakeholders.

S

SCREEN children who are at risk for mental health issues, abuse and disabilities.

L

Learn tool to train teachers on how to manage such risks in the classroom.

A

Act to avail the benefits for children at risk by accessing scheme information and providing remote access for therapy and counselling.

T

Track implementation of schemes and policies by stakeholder role mapping.

E

Enable a better future for our children by empowering stakeholders.

3

districts in Tamil Nadu - Kancheepuram, Theni and Villupuram - were selected for pilot study

1061

Government Teachers, Special Educator from 3 districts from 44 blocks were selected for pilot study

76.8%

Teachers were able to correctly identify at least one case of disability during pre-assessment

88.9%

Teachers were able to correctly identify at least one case of disability during the post assessment phase

80%

Teachers able to correctly identify at least 1 case during post-assessment who were unable to identify earlier

52.5%

Teachers were able to correctly identify 2 or more cases during the post-assessment

Identifying children at risk and Empowering teachers using the RedFlag app

The present study evaluates a teacher training program that utilisesan app-based screening tool to empower teachers to correctly identify children ‘at-risk’ for various developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and demographic challenges. A pre-post research design was used to assess the effectiveness for screening these risks with 1061 teachers who were recruited from three districts in Tamil Nadu, India. The teachers were asked to assess three case studies representative of children at -risk. Data collection was via software (Google forms) pretest.

They were then trained in using the RedFlag App and were asked to reassess the same three case studies for likelihood of risk using the App. Results indicated a significant increase in the likelihood of correct assessment while using the RedFlag App (OR = 2,689, 95%, CI: 1.80–4.00). The improvements were significant across multiple demographic factors including age of teachers, area of residence, and gender. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Read Case Study

Identifying children at risk and Empowering teachers using the RedFlag app

Sol's ARC warmly recognizes the following people and charities for being a part of the Expert Committee in developing the APP.

David Mitchell

Canterbury University

Nadine Gaab

Harvard University

Loui Lord Nelson

Expert, UDL Principles

Yaacov Petscher

Professor, FSU

We are creating Inclusive Curriculum

We are creating an inclusive approach to improve learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy to give all students in a classroom an equal opportunity to succeed.

Training Youth

We are making it possible for youth with intellectual disabilities in becoming efficient and employable in the hospitality and retail industries. Become a partner and hire and help these youth!