Activities

IAAT activities to date

Since its inception in 2017, IAAT has engaged in offering Continuing Rehabilitation Education programs to members and others, and has hosted international speakers and participants. Its members have participated in seminars/ webinars/workshops and conferences across India and presented papers on matters of topical interest. IAAT offered 15 free webinars on different topics for rehab students over June 2020 – Feb. 2024 offering the latest updates in AT and rehabilitation services. These are certified by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and so, count for academic credits. Occasional health camps for assessment of disabilities and distribution of AT devices were held over the past 3 years in 5 states. During the Covid19 pandemic and the lockdowns,

In May 2020, at the height of the Covid19 pandemic, the Indian Council for Medical Research requested and IAAT gave 450 pictures of Assistive Products indicating areas to be sanitized before use. This was towards the Indian Council for Medical Research’s book “NLEAP (National List of Essential Assistive Products)”. IAAT members have been at the forefront of support during the pandemic: one member designed and developed a 3-D printed face shield to benefit frontline Covid19 workers in Mumbai and Varanasi. Another member distributed hand sanitizers and face masks in Trivandrum. Yet another member successfully undertook a unique physical rehabilitation plan for a Punjab policeman whose hand was cut off in a sword attack while on Covid19 duty and later reattached. In order to address the increasing incidence of cerebral palsy in new-borns, IAAT held an offline CRE in March 2021 on the “Comprehensive Management of Cerebral Palsy” for AT professionals. Every year IAAT organise its National Conference with the appropriate theme and need of the society with all stake holders. IAAT brings out an Annual Report each year.

WEBSITE

Revamp IAAT website for Web accessibility and to reflect its dynamic vision, goals and collective expertise and increase social media presence. Presently assigned one professional web master to maintain and upgrade.

ANNUAL NEWSLETTER

Bring out an Annual Newsletter aimed at stakeholders and collaborators, ministries and concerned duty bearers to increase awareness of AT and global developments.

Long-term strategic objectives (24 - 60 months)

Module 1:

A Country Capacity Audit (CCA) according to WHO guidelines, market shaping of AT in India (coordinated engagement on demand and supply research) based on which successful interventions can be designed.

Module 2:

Collaboration with at least 2-3 South Asian institutions (e.g., from among Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh).

Module 3:

Formalize the essential Priority Assistive Products list across five domains for India in line with WHO guidelines.

Module 4:

Form an AT Alliance in India to create pathways for multi-sectoral involvement on AT to advocate for Universal Design to promote a barrier-free environment.

Module 5:

Organize a Biennial International conference on AT with involvement and participation of various stakeholders and professional groups. The multi-ministerial engagement in the Conference will help build a sustainable policy around AT in India and help IAAT engage with the AT ecosystem around the globe. It will also contribute to raise funds for IAAT’s sustainability.

Module 6:

Establish Communities of Practice (CoP) in India and the South Asia region for sharing of learning/innovation in the various specialties of rehabilitation products and services.