A Promotoras Training Model
Michael V. Maloney
Executive Director
Organization for Autism Research
www.researchautism.org
Organization for Autism Research
 Founded in 2001
 Mission:
 Research - Quality of life
 Information – Evidence-based/consumer friendly
 Education – State of the science/translational
 One of four original CDC autism partners
 Learn the Signs. Act Early. Campaign
Latino Outreach – Initial Concepts
 October 2006 – Board discussion
 Make OAR’s resources accessible to Latinos
 Translate English to Spanish


Life Journey through Autism resource guides
Web site
 No $$$$
 Develop concept, raise funds, implement
Learn the Signs. Act Early.
 December 2006 grant opportunity
 A different entry point
 Developmental milestones pre-autism
 Three challenges
 Culture
 Language
 Approach
OAR’s Team
 KDH Research & Consulting
 Kristen Holtz, PhD
 Autism/LSAE program design experience
 Atlanta based
 Fusión mc
 Ana Maria Boitel
 Language and culture
 Community insight/research
 Dia de la Mujer Latina – Venus Ginés
Initial Planning Objectives
 Target young parents in Latino community
 Develop a model for community support
 Adapt materials to language and culture
 Adapt approach to existing systems
 Examine communication networks
 Develop a strategy and plan of action
The Plan Comes Together
 Promotoras – lay health workers
 Trusted community members
 Established healthcare role
 Speak the language
 Georgia
 3rd fastest growing Latino population in the U.S.
 Location of KDHRC and CDC
 Dia de la Mujer Latina – Venus Ginés
Empowering Promotoras
 Educate on developmental milestones and warning
signs of autism
 Train for outreach
 Provide clear, easy to use materials
 Test in community-based setting
Training Program
 Five hour syllabus
 Spanish-speaking trainer
 Pre- and post- tests
 Introduction of materials/tool kit
 Practice outreach
 Recognition
Promotora Training Guide
Information for the Facilitator
 Goals and objectives
 Use of promotoras in health promotion programs
 Recruiting promotoras
 Scheduling the training event
 Preparing for the training event
 Know your material
 Facilitation tips
Training Syllabus
 Welcome/training overview
 Introduction to developmental milestones
 Developmental milestones and autism
 Conducting outreach during a health fair (brief
encounter)
 Conducting outreach during clinic visits (longer
encounter)
 Referral information and review
Supporting Tabs
 Flipchart templates
 Agenda and Objectives Handout/La Agenda y los Objetivos
 Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet/ Hoja informativa sobre los







trastornos del espectro autista
Milestone Matching Worksheet and answer key/ Identificación de
Indicadores
Outreach Approach Handout/Manual de cómo Atraer la Comunidad
Health Fair Scenarios Handout/ Guión con Escenas de las Ferias de
Salud
Clinic Visit Scenarios Handout/Manual de Escenas sobre Visitas
Clínicas
Referral Information Handout/Manual de Referencia de Información
Ethical Pledge/Manual de Compromiso de Comportamiento
Certificate of Completion
Flip chart - Spanish
Flip Chart English
Refrigerator Magnet
Community Outreach
 Feria de la Familia – Cobb County, Ga.
 Community health focused
 2,000 – 3,000 people
 Festival atmosphere
 Partnered with Dia de la Mujer Latina
 14/18 Promotoras - 500 direct contacts
 Feria de la Familia – Washington, DC, Dec.
Presented by:
Univision 34 y Día de la
Mujer Latina
Sábado- Saturday
4 de Agosto
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cobb Civic Center
528 South Marietta Parkway. Marietta, GA 30060
Ven y disfruta de este día lleno de valiosa información y
servicios de salud totalmente GRATIS
para toda la familia.
Exámenes de Seno
Breast Exam
Mamogramas
Mammograms
Papanicolau
Pap Smear
Presión Arterial
Blood Pressure
Pruebas VIH/ HIV Tests
Exámenes de la
Columna
Spinal Test
Exámenes de Dientes
Dental Exam
Exámenes de Diabetes
Diabetes Test
Vacunas para niños
Immunizations for Children
Colesterol/cholesterol
Charlas y Talleres sobre
temas de salud/health
education
Exámenes de la Vista
Vision Test
!Habrá mucha diversión, música y regalos!
For more information please contact Paola Salazar at (404) 926-2304
or pasalazar@univision.net.
Results/Conclusions
 Latino community is very receptive
 Training package was effective
 Health fairs work for the broad message
 The Promotoras model has significant potential and
some limits
 OAR’s program will support broader outreach
Lessons Learned
 Spanish translation is not enough
 Information and message must be adapted to culture
and the local/target Latino community
 Many countries and cultures represented
 Beware of stereotypes
 Outreach requires a multi-faceted approach
 Success through community partnerships
 Need to know more
Next Steps
 Obtain funds for program expansion
 Increase capacity of language/culturally adapted
resources
 Life Journey through Autism guides – Autism Speaks
grant
 Informational brochure
 Flip charts and magnets
 OAR Web site
Next Steps (Cont.)
 Secondary research on cultural biases, barriers, and
stigma
 Develop and test new resources
 Expand Promotora Training program
 Expand community outreach in DC and GA
Fin
Preguntas?