Refresher workshop and Alumni Meet at Mobility India

Mobility India (MI) hosted a 3-day Refresher Workshop for MI graduated Rehabilitation Therapy Assistants (RTAs) from April 20^th-22^nd, 2015 at its campus in Bangalore. The main of the workshop was to help the students upgrade their professional knowledge and skills.   

A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the ‘The Rehabilitation Therapy Handbook’ (Revised edition) in English, Hindi and Bengali language (First edition), which aims to serve as a reference guide for students, trainers, rehabilitation professionals and educational institutes.

Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Robertangelo Ciccone, Physical Rehabilitation Programme Manager at ICRC Regional Delegation New Delhi addressed the gathering saying that the Training Manual is proof that MI is not ‘still and stagnant’, but likes moving ahead all the time. Other presiding dignitaries too inspired the gathering with motivational words. Ms. Mary Wernty, Head of Delegation at ICRC New Delhi said that she was thrilled to visit MI and ‘feel the beautiful energy’ while feeling proud of ICRC’s partnership with MI for over a decade. Ms. Albina Shankar, Director at Mobility India noted in her address that, “The handbook will enhance the role of physiotherapists and occupational therapists as trainers. It also provides students with a unique educational experience that will change their practice and enable PWDs to have greater inclusion and participation in their communities.”

Another presiding torch bearer, Ms. Ritu Ghosh, Deputy Director, Training presented a paper on ‘Impact study of RTA professionals in India and Nepal’. The study revealed that out of the 26 MI graduates, 71 percent continue to work in the same field, with more than 50 percent primarily working in CBR areas.   

Mr. M Munivel, Director of Prestine Therapy and Skill Development Centre in Sensory Integration presented a paper on Autism. Other paper presentation sessions included ‘Perspectives of Older people/Service Users’ by Dr. Elizabeth Thomas and Mrs. Satyavathi Shammhuddin and ‘Counselling Challenges of Caregiver and Family’ by Ms. Hazel Brooks. Papers on ‘Clinical Documentation’, ‘Community Based Rehabilitation’, and ‘Goal Setting- ICF Model’ and ‘Current Approaches in Therapy Management of Child with Cerebral Palsy’ were presented by various MI staff members.

During the valedictory function, the Jo Millar Award was given to DPO student Amal Mohammed Hamood Mohammed and RTA student Ramsanehi Ray. Nine senior students also were presented with mementoes in recognition of their professional progress.