Persons  with physical challenges need assistive devices to improve their ability to move about, and even for speech, and hand functions. It has been seen that these devices, produced imaginatively and with due care; can go a long way to provide the much needed help in many cases. The “Jaipur foot” is a classic example. While as a tool for improved mobility, the role of an assistive device is commonly appreciated, that even in respect of activities of daily life such devices can be a great help is not so well known or recognized. It has been our experience that the devices and technology for manufacture  available even within the country, are not uniformly known in the whole country and, therefore, the needy persons  all over do not get desirable and achievable rate of improvement. An exhibition organised by Adarsh in April 08, of such devices for disabilities of all types, brought home this point forcefully. At this exhibition, manufacturers from different parts of the country participated. 

Apart from this , in today’s world where geographical borders have become irrelevant as far as communication and spread of knowledge are concerned, it should be possible to get to know the latest developments taking place anywhere in the world and to adapt them to our requirements. Adarsh Trust trains , in its special schools, over 200 children affected by Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Learning Disorders & Downs Syndrome. This number is constantly increasing and will go up further soon. Apart from this, there are over 300 children undergoing training in special schools set up with our motivation and help. It has, therefore, been decided to set up a   Centre for Research on Orthotic Management in Adarsh. The Research team will consist of one or more physiotherapists, occupational therapists special educators and some parents. Technical help will be taken from Orthopaedic doctors and manufacturers of such appliances. Contact has been established and preliminary discussion held with leading manufacturer in Noida, near Delhi. There is already a manufacturer in Kochi, who has a good share of the Kerala market and who is closely connected with Adarsh and its activities. This Centre, it is hoped, will start functioning before the end of September 08.

For more details, please visit www.totaloandp.com