The Disability Prevention & Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) program started in Feb 2007. In the first stage, training programs were conducted at different intervals in the 3 districts of Chittoor, Ananthapur & Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh .

These programs were conducted by Dr.Jacob, Mr.Basha & Mr Jothibabu, in conjunction with the respective DLOs, and NLEP staff, in the 1st Stage. In the 2nd Stage patients at different points of each district were selected on the basis of the guide line priorities. In the 3rd phase we are calling in these patients for reconstructive surgery. Over 1500 patients were screened at different points in each district. It is interesting to note that several patients are being sent from other areas as well for surgery.

This department needs a constant replenishment of surgical items, which are needed to maintain quality, & in particular our 20 year old horizontal sterilizer needs replacement.



Besides leprosy, all other disabilities especially for children are taken care by a team of specially trained staff. The intervention in which we play a part is either “community-based” or “hospital-based” specialized centers/institutions/schools etc.

Mukti a charitable organization in Chennai (www.muktiindia.org) continues to be a great help with a free supply of prosthesis as and when required.

(left)Prosthesis made in our unit from HDP – for amputees. This is a case of HD with paralysis of the right hand and bilateral cataract, which had an infected crush injury while crossing the road. Subsequently, after the amputation we also operated his cataracts.

Emmaus has played a substantial role in changing the attitude of the people towards the disabled. We have been successful in bringing about a comfortable and relaxed environment amidst the disabled and their families. Emmaus has succeeded in providing a feeling of security in the disabled regarding their future by educating them about the correct activities of D.L.S, communication skill techniques and mobility. Emmaus has rendered Skill development and Job placements to reduce the dependency factor for the disabled.

Emmaus also facilitates the admission for the disabled children into special, regular schools and vocational centers. The existing welfare programs are availed for integrated schooling supply of assistive devices, monthly pension assistance, concession on bus pass, savings & credit facilities, insurance schemes, educational scholarships and more.

Emmaus has also rendered special services such as:
	Awareness Camps
		Various Awareness programs are conducted by Emmaus to sensitize the healthy people and bring awareness about the disabled. Intensive awareness campaigns are held and information is supplied through brochures and other printed materials.
	To Initiate Steps on Early Detection & Prevention
		Emmaus renders awareness regarding various disabilities and immunization. Regular medical checkups for pregnant women and diagnosis for nutritional deficiency in children are done constantly. We assist the department of Primary Health during immunization programs.
	Support & Assistance to the Disabled
		General Medical treatment is provided at the Emmaus Base Hospital, while critical and more serious conditions are treated by the referral services. The completely disabled and the incurables are put under various educational programs and rehabilitation works. The CBR- Community-Based Rehabilitation (disability) workers often visit the homes of the disabled to educate them about the daily living routines and therapeutic studies. Children with speech disorders, hearing & visual impairment, locomotion etc. are admitted into special schools and serious attention is given by the educational authorities.
	Role of Government & Non-Governmental Organizations
		Emmaus has co-coordinated with many Government Organizations that are playing an important role in these awareness programs. Cooperative committee meetings are held and the heads of various departments, managers and chiefs work in tandem to support the disabled and the special children.

Emmaus is playing a key role in the delivery of service to the disabled through awareness programs, education, pre-school skilled development, parental training, personal development, diagnostic medical treatment & surgical intervention, referral services, income generating scheme, self employment loans, supply of Prosthetic & Esthetic devices, early detention assessment , child stimulation training, functional skills, socialization, family guideline support to name a few.