Demand for disability support services in Fiji is rising, with the Frank Hilton Organisation reporting a 14 percent uptick in new cases and assessments in the first half of the year. Chief Executive Sureni Perera says the increase reflects a growing awareness among families about the benefits of early intervention.
The organization notes that services can begin as early as birth, with a priority focus on children from birth to eight years old. “Our mandate is early detection and intervention. In the past, most children came to us between the ages of 6 and 8 and above, typically when they were preparing to enter school. However, thanks to increased awareness and expanded service outreach, we now see children as early as birth to 2 years old, and we work with children from birth up to 8 years of age as a priority group,” Perera explained.
Referrals continue to come from varied sources, with about 30 percent from CWM Hospital and nearly 46 percent driven by community awareness and word of mouth. The Frank Hilton Organisation remains committed to a holistic early childhood intervention approach, ensuring timely identification, care, and development support for children with disabilities.
As demand grows, the organisation faces funding constraints and a shortage of specialists, but it remains actively engaged with government ministries and partner organisations to broaden services and reach more families in need.
Context from prior reporting shows a pattern of rising demand, with annual increases often cited at around 25 percent, particularly during dedicated awareness months for disabilities. Government support has included funding allocations in the hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Frank Hilton Foundation this year, a step welcomed by the organisation but deemed insufficient to meet escalating needs. Beyond funding, Perera has stressed the importance of shifting policies and public mindsets toward inclusion, noting that awareness and attitudes are key to sustaining and expanding services.
What this means for Fiji
– Early intervention is becoming the norm, with more children being reached at younger ages, which can improve long-term outcomes.
– There is a clear need for sustained investment in both funding and workforce capacity to handle the growing caseload.
– Public awareness campaigns and inclusive policies play a crucial role in driving timely help for children with disabilities.
Additional comments
– The focus on birth-to-eight as a priority window aligns with global best practices for early childhood intervention and supports better developmental trajectories for children with disabilities.
– Partnerships with hospitals and community networks appear essential to maintaining momentum as demand rises.
Summary for readers
The Frank Hilton Organisation is reporting a notable rise in demand for disability support services in Fiji, driven by greater awareness and earlier engagement by families. While this progress is encouraging, it comes with funding and staffing challenges that call for continued government support, stronger inclusion policies, and broader community engagement to ensure all children who need help can access timely services. Positive trends toward earlier intervention offer hope for brighter developmental outcomes for Fiji’s youngest residents.
Leave a comment