The Transformative Power of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Education in Pakistan
In today’s interconnected world, the call for inclusivity reverberates louder than ever before. It is a fundamental human right to live in a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities and resources. However, for persons with disabilities, this vision of inclusivity often remains elusive, hindered by barriers both physical and societal. Amidst these challenges, there shines a beacon of hope: the transformative power of rehabilitation and assistive technology education and integration.
In Pakistan, a project called the Learning Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS) is working at both national and provincial levels to raise awareness and sensitize the government and private sector. Recently, the Global Rehabilitation Leadership Institute organized a leadership training course in Pakistan for the first time ever. The course, conducted by Johns Hopkins University of the USA, was attended by rehabilitation professionals, students, doctors, academicians, and media persons. The aim was to raise awareness about the importance of rehabilitation and assistive technology to create an inclusive society.
The Global Rehabilitation Leadership Institute (GRLI) aims to equip and empower professionals across all disciplines and levels of the health system to strengthen health systems and elevate rehabilitation and assistive technology services across low- and middle-income countries.
There is a surge in the need for rehabilitation and assistive technology in Pakistan, with estimates varying from 3.3 million to 27 million people living with disabilities. The need for rehabilitation is largely unmet, with more than 50% of people in some low- and middle-income countries not receiving the services they require.
By investing in rehabilitation and assistive technology education, Pakistan can pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible society. Through specialized training and innovative approaches, professionals can improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities and drive advancements in the field. It is not just a moral imperative but a pathway to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.