Ecam: A virtual health information one-stop for enhancing SUD treatment services for consumers with co-occurring disabilities

The eCAM program was designed to address the barriers to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment faced by consumers with co-existing disabilities, by utilizing culturally appropriate cessation and recovery support services via e-therapy. The program implemented improvements for universal access to online materials (audio versions, screen reader compatibility, etc.), and development of personal web portals tailored to each consumers individual needs. Emphasis was placed on making interactions and resources as accessible as possible, both culturally and technologically. In addition, open source solutions were used whenever possible to reduce cost and ease replication of the study. Because access to technology is as diverse as the types of accommodations required to facilitate recovery, every effort was made to minimize barriers across the program. This included enhancements from language choice, and the ability to tailor resources to match individual consumer's needs, to optimizing portals to work across major platforms, browsers, and mobile devices. CAM populations include Deaf/HH, making access to resources in American Sign Language a priority. Additionally, eCAM participants had an average reading level of 8th grade, with 39.08% scoring at that grade level or lower; necessitating materials in simple English and audio formats. Electronic reminders of upcoming appointments were sent by email and text in response to chronic absenteeism and high no-show rates among traditional SUD consumers, resulting in a decrease in no-show rates. By meeting consumers where they are and making materials accessible from the beginning, the eCAM program represents an open-source alternative to commercial applications that is secure and accessible.