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Description
Based on an organisational needs assessment and action plan, this project aims to promote the organisational development of the project promoter, including the development of an impact evaluation system, the digitisation of processes, and capacity building in fundraising strategies, with a view to improving the recognition of IPAFASIA’s intervention as a public policy, through acquisition and adaptation of software and consulting.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several critical issues and challenges related to aphasia, a language disorder caused by neurological injury. Although aphasia does not affect intelligence, it significantly impacts both verbal and non-verbal communication. This condition leads to family dysfunction, loss of autonomy, social isolation, unemployment, and emotional imbalance, affecting both individuals with aphasia and their families.
In Portugal, available treatments for aphasia are primarily in clinical and hospital settings, with limited and insufficient specialized resources. These treatments focus on linguistic recovery, which is often not fully achievable, neglecting the emotional, familial, and social recovery of individuals. Consequently, many individuals with aphasia and their caregivers become chronically dependent on state subsidies, medication, and support, deeply affecting their lives.
The general population''s lack of awareness about aphasia creates numerous barriers in society. The IPA pioneered innovative therapeutic approaches in Portugal to minimize the psychosocial impact of aphasia, placing individuals with aphasia at the center of decision-making and solution-building.
Since its inception in 2016, the IPA has primarily provided in-person support in Matosinhos, assisting around 200 individuals with aphasia and their caregivers. As part of its growth strategy, the IPA has been implementing remote support and teletherapy services using digital solutions, addressing requests from Portugal, Brazil, and other countries.
In line with the Organizational Needs Assessment and Action Plan, the IPA''s growth strategy focuses on the following areas: digitalizing processes to enhance remote support and data management, developing an impact assessment system to scientifically demonstrate the intervention''s impact, and improving fundraising processes to ensure sustainable growth and funding.
In the first five months of the project, the processes for contracting services to implement the Capacity Building Plan were initiated and the project evaluation framework was defined. After awarding the contracts, the Digitalization Activity began with a meeting between the IT team and the project manager at IPA''s facilities to gather all necessary documentation and understand the processes to be digitized. Subsequently, the technical team received all IPA information, forms, and registration models in several meetings to discuss their implementation in the software. It was necessary to finalize the impact assessment model and revise IPA''s pricing model to implement the final versions in the software. The technical team then proceeded with the software implementation and adaptation. Two meetings were held with the entire IPA team to gather feedback and suggest further software adaptations. Several work meetings were held for development, adjustments, and testing. A final software version was achieved, and final team training was conducted. The software then replaced the old procedures.
The team training program was completed as planned, and the Impact Assessment Model development began, followed by the creation of a Procedures Manual to support implementation. Training on the impact assessment model was conducted with the IPA team, and once the software was ready, additional training on the registration process in Bitrix was provided. By the final report date, impact assessment was being conducted according to the new model, with records made in the software by the entire team as described in the attached Reporting Manual.
Regarding Fundraising, the planned activities were carried out, including team capacity building and co-creation of the Fundraising Strategy and Action Plan with the team. Implementation began with the AMIGO IPA campaign, launching new fundraising pages on the website and focusing on the consignment campaign.
In September 2022, a person with experience in fundraising and social project management was recruited to dedicate 100% to the fundraising plan to maximize results.
For the Communication Plan, IPA created a project page on the website and published updates on social media. A webinar was held to present project results and share learnings and best practices.
In terms of results, the project achieved significant outcomes for the IPA and its beneficiaries. The primary objective of digitalizing internal processes was successfully met. This ensured compliance with fiscal regulations and mapped relevant publics, including beneficiaries, associates, donors, and the internal team. The team received training in various phases, with sessions recorded to create a user manual in 2023. The digitalization mission was completed successfully, allowing the entry of data for approximately 470 users and ensuring redundancy as a security mechanism.
Despite temporal limitations in some areas, the capacity-building project was successfully conducted. The digitalization of processes allowed for more efficient and professional management of IPA data. The Impact Assessment provided valuable insights into the organization''s value and potential community impact. The fundraising strategy laid the foundation for greater financial sustainability.
The IPA''s management expressed satisfaction with the results achieved by the time of the reporting and is committed to continuing these capacity-building efforts.
The project not only improved internal processes and understanding of IPA''s impact but also has the potential to contribute to the organization''s recognition as a public policy influencer, aligning with the Agenda Impacto 2030.