Funded Projects   Access to Health Care   Physical Health   Social, Emotional and   Behavioral Health

WATCH (Wake Area Telehealth Collaborative Helping Children with Special Needs) From: TelAbility, provider of comprehensive, coordinated care to children with disabilities through video conferencing and Internet technologies. Contact: Joshua Alexander, MD Director, Pediatric Rehabilitation Program School of Medicine, UNC Hospitals, Program Director Purpose: Improve the system of care available to Wake County children in developmental day care centers, community service agencies, residential care facilities, the Raleigh Child Developmental Service Agency and the Wake County Preschool Services Program through the WATCH network that connects the expertise of more than 275 Wake County professionals through a Web site, listserv, and electronic newsletter. How: Promote the use of technology to improve care coordination. Strengthen professional development among early intervention professionals. Support cost-effective professional development activities of staff from participating agencies. Help parents and families meet their children's needs. Identify resources to enable continuation of WATCH at end of Endowment funding. Outcomes: Track activities, outputs and outcomes for each of seven needs that have been identified. Move local agency WATCH participants into leadership roles. Develop sustainability plans for the continuation of the network. Cost/Term: $557,172 over three years $242,430 year one $173,535 year two $141,207 year three July 2007-June 2010