One of the objectives of the WHO Global Disability Action Plan 2014–2021 is to strengthen rehabilitation and Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR). In order to achieve this goal, the training of Community Rehabilitation Workers (CRW) is crucial. However, results of the last World CBR Congress show a lack of recognition of this professional group, looking at accountability and training with certificates. This is partially related to their wide range of skills and duties.

In September 2017 a research protocol was conducted at community rehabilitation programmes in 6 low and middle income countries. It consisted of workshops with the management team (31 members) and CRW (78), field visits and Focus Group Discussions with the beneficiaries (182). The protocol looks at the needs of the beneficiaries, training received and activities carried out by CRW, and their support system. It uses an open question method, categorising and stratifying the responses according to their relative importance along the process.

Training of CRW is inconsistent with the variety of interventions needed in the field, which leaves the users insecure. The needs of the beneficiaries are multifaceted, and activities carried out by CRW only partially reflect a needs based approach. Competencies regarding economic empowerment, disability specific issues, psychosocial support and inclusion are underadressed. Also, a mismatch was found between activities carried out most often and activities determined as most important.

This research protocol identified gaps and priorities for the development of a standardised training content for CRW. We describe minimal standards that answer the needs of a person with a disability living in the community of a low resource country.