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A Comprehensive Model for SCI from Institutional to CBR
The ten bed centre was set enlarged to twenty beds as we moved to our own campus. We decided that the only way was a System of Comprehensive Rehabilitation. This included care from the site of injury, to the home, covering socio-economic and medical care. It also meant advocacy for rights of persons with disabilities and training the persons with disabilities for leadership roles.
We recognized that medical aspect of rehabilitation in spinal injury was only a part. The other components of socio-economic assistance and advocacy were more difficult but as essential as medical care.
With the aim of preventing the complications, by educating the patients and carer we have started two regular education program:
- Attendant and career education program for in-house clients
- Carer Education Program In SCB Medical College Hospital
The link to the community was provided by a medical team, a community educator, social worker etc went to each Spinal injured home to help them integrate in the community and assist them in creating accessibility in their housing and villages.
Other activities included sports therapy, art therapy and formation of self help groups for counseling.
The final was economic livelihood or wage employment which ever was possible.
These measures assisted in the improvement in the quality of life, financial independence and increased Social acceptance.
We found a drop in mortality rates for those entering the rehabilitation program. From a high of 75% within two years to less then 1%. The morbidity rates were significantly reduced. Only 3 married couples broke up after injury and rehabilitation out of 64. One married immediately after rehabilitation.
The leadership programme and rural centres helped sustained the Spinal injured in Orissa who came in touch with us (See Flight to Freedom).
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