Author Archives: Albina

#29 years of MI excellence.

Transforming Lives Since 1994: Our organization has been dedicated to transforming the lives of people with disabilities and those in need for the past 29 years. Our mission is to reach the unreached and ensure disability-inclusive development and social inclusion.

Our Core Initiatives:

  • Physical Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Services: We provide essential rehabilitation services and assistive technologies to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
  • Education and Research: Our commitment to education and research helps advance knowledge about disabilities and ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to quality education, creating a more inclusive society.
  • Community-Based Inclusive Development Programs: We work closely with communities in Chamarajanagar Taluk, Chikkanayakanahalli, and Turuvekere Taluks, Tumkur District, and Bengaluru Urban BBMP 12 Wards to foster inclusive development. By engaging local communities, we create opportunities for everyone to thrive together.
  •  Inclusive Development Centre in Guwahati: Our center extends our efforts to reach rural areas, providing much-needed support and services to underserved communities.
  • Hyderabad Center: Extending our efforts, this center aims to increase access to quality assistive products with therapeutic services where they are needed most.
  • Development and Promotion of Appropriate Technology: We develop and promote innovative technologies that cater specifically to the needs of people with disabilities, making their lives more comfortable and independent.
  • Network and Collaboration: We actively collaborate with like-minded organizations and stakeholders to create a more extensive network of support for people with disabilities and those in need.
  • As we reflect on our journey, we express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported our cause throughout the years. Together, we have made a positive impact on countless lives, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Our commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing this transformative journey with your continued support. Thank you all for being an integral part of our mission.

MILESTONES

2004

  • The outreach program began in the “Garden Reach’ slums of Kolkata.
  • Mr. Chapal Khasnabis moved to the World Health Organization, Geneva, to the department of Disability and Rehabilitation.
  • Ms. Albina Shankar, Deputy Director, becomes Acting Director. Mr. Michael Sanjivi appointed Director

2003

  • Below Knee Prosthetic Plastic Modular Component ‘SATHI’ was launched

2002

  • Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre completed-a model of accessible design, unique in the country.
  • State of art Prosthetic and Orthotic Workshop and Therapy Unit with modern technology initiated.
  • 12-month Lower Limb Orthotics, Prosthetics, Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant, and CBR training programs started
  • ‘Foot Production Unit’ started – one of the most accessible and modern production units managed exclusively by women with disabilities.
  • Developed, designed, and launched the Pre – Fabricated Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (PFKAFO)
  • Organized the National Conference of Orthotics and Prosthetics Society of India (OPSI)

2001

  • Community-Based Rehabilitation program area expanded to 15 slums in Bangalore.
  • The “Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Manual” was related with the support of Voluntary Service Overseas, UK
  • Facilitated setting up the Orthotics Centre at NIMHANS, Bengaluru

2000

  • Two wheelchair-accessible mobile vans for transport service introduced along with a wheelchair bank

1999

  • Organized an International Seminar on the Management of Polio in collaboration with the ISPO
  • Honorable Shri Khurshed Alam Khan, Governor of Karnataka, and Patron of Mobility India laid the foundation stone for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre

1998

  • Therapy services integrated with the Prosthetics and Orthotics unit.
  • Establishment of the Regional Resource Centre, Kolkata to provide rehabilitation services to Eastern and North Eastern regions.
  • Civic Amenity site allotted by Bangalore Development Authority to set up a Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore.
  • 14 youth with disabilities were trained in the “Training for Trainers” course in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Initiated Community Based Rehabilitation work in 5 urban slums, Bangalore

1997

  • Workshop on “Endo-skeletal above-knee prostheses” with Indo-Can Orthopaedics, Canada.
  • First research project on developing modular endoskeletal prosthesis with the Ministry of Defence: Defence Bio-engineering and Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bangalore.
  • Lightweight plastic barefoot orthosis developed.

1996

  • Launched “Mobile Workshop” to provide rehabilitation services at the doorsteps in rural areas. First orthotic knee joint, uni-lock barefoot orthoses, and endoskeleton prostheses designed and developed.
  • Rehabilitation Aids Workshop by Women with Disabilities established. Ten women with disabilities trained as Orthotic Technicians.

1995

  • Partnered with 12 grassroots organisations in South India, to provide short term training courses and technical support in rehabilitation services

1994

  • Mobility India registered as a Society on August 2, in Bangalore

Founding Governing Body Members

  • Mr. Sundar Egbert, President
  • Ms. Sathyavathi Shamshuddeen, Vice President
  • Dr. Gerry Pais, Secretary
  • Dr. Veda Zachariah, Treasurer
  • Mr. D M Naidu, Member
  • Mr. Gautam Chaudhury, Member
  • Mr. Karunakaran, Member
  • Mr. Chapal Khasnabis -Executive Director, and Ms. Albina Shankar, begin work at APD campus