Blog Article

2024 Trip to Uganda – June 05 to June 12

As a result of the partnership in the Project Echo project with the University of Ottawa Physiotherapy department, a site visit to Kasese Uganda was undertaken by CanUgan board member Rick Morello and University of Ottawa professor Jennifer O’Neil.

The focus of the visit was seeking input from disabled communities in Kasese district related to rehabilitation needs and services as well as the need for assistive devices as provided by CanUgan. The Kasese and District Union of Persons with Disabilities (KADUPEDI), and specifically Baluku Peter and Bwambale Robert, organized 6 community events for our visit with a total attendance of over 375 participants and over 130 lived experience representations. We were grateful for the support provided by Peter, Robert and Janet, who moderated and provided translation for the many voices of persons living with a disability (PWD) that participated in these events.

June 06 - Karusandera Community meeting

Trip Recommendations

    1. Objective 1: Rehabilitation

    The goal was to establish rehabilitation priorities that are coherent, collaborative and aligned with the needs of people living with disabilities in Uganda.

    Recommended actions for improved rehabilitation services include:

    • Training Kadupedi and community champions who will then train parents of children or adult groups using tools created together.
    • Training mothers of children living with a disability.
    • Improving the efficiency of field screenings for assistive devices by training Kadupedi staff on how to use the improved quick screening form.
    • Training Kadupedi staff on assistive device fitting and exercise.
    • Promoting ownership and independence through self-monitoring functions such as: blood pressure, identification of motor delay, knowing when to see a doctor, training on maintenance of condition and of device use​.
    June 07 - Maliba Town Community meeting

    2. Objective 2 : Improve delivery and impact of Assistive Devices

    The goals included: Sustain and strengthen CanUgan’s relationship with KADUPEDI and the Intermediary team who identify recipients for assistive devices; develop an understanding of the new and existing problems in the field with a goal of identifying new approaches / ideas to evolve the mission.

    Recommended actions for this objective include:

    • KADUPEDI to add additional assistive devices to their provisioning list, including walkers, standing frames, corner seats, strollers, and toilet seats. The walker and stroller may be devices that Friday’s workshop can provide.
    • KADUPEDI to ensure that training is provided for beneficiaries on assistive device use. The training may be provided to a community leader, a caregiver or the beneficiary.
    • Improve the quality of assistive device provisioning. Arrange for KADUPEDI person to get full WHO training on wheelchair fitting.
    • KADUPEDI to arrange for tricycle maintenance training for beneficiary or community leader plus initiate provision of bicycle pump, tire repair kit and chain oil to qualified person.
    • CanUgan to develop simplified tricycle assessment procedures and recommendations for standardized manufacture.
    • CanUgan to provide recommendation for implementation of KADUPEDI beneficiary digital database.
    • CanUgan to provide 2-in-1 CAD files to Kyaninga Child Development Centre for possible development of a bamboo tricycle/wheelchair.
    • KADUPEDI to ensure that Friday’s workshop adopts appropriate safety practices and equipment.
    • CanUgan to investigate funding opportunities to support KADUPEDI's need for the purchase of a vehicle to provide transport services for the disabled.
    • CanUgan to investigate funding opportunities to support KADUPEDI's need for new office and rehab facilities.
    June 07 - Jennifer O’Neil providing rehabilitation suggestions to child with crutches
    June 09 - Kasese – Kadupedi Meeting of Beneficiaries
    June 09 – Wheelchair beneficiary evaluated for improved fit

    Subscribe
    Notify of
    0 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments