History

An individual may have been blind since birth but never had exposure to any kind of service that would lead to his rehabilitation.  At other times, an individual finds himself disoriented and a feeling of helplessness grips him because of sudden loss of sight at a later age. It is to bridge this gap NAB (I) started the Department of Rehabilitation in 1978.

Initially, the Department offered 3-months' training course in basic life skills and mobility. This course was conducted four times a year. Alongside, professional courses were run for employment and placement officers and orientation & mobility instructors. Eventually these two courses were discontinued and the duration of the 3-months' Basic Rehabilitation Course was extended over 4 months and was conducted thrice a year.

Starting Anew

Adhering to its objective of making a blind person realize the Three A’s – Accept Blindness, Adjust to Blindness and Achieve despite being blind, the centre has over the years evolved to fulfill a wide range of training needs of its clients. In that, it has developed many need-based training courses.

Basic Rehab Course

This absolutely free training is conducted twice a year and is now of 3½ month's duration. It admits 30 trainees per batch and has the capacity to provide lodge and board facilities to about 16. Trainees are given a small monthly stipend.

Intensive training is offered to develop skills in Activities of Daily Living which include Self-care: brushing, bathing, grooming, eating, etc.; Orientation & Mobility: safe indoor and outdoor travel techniques using the White Cane; Home Management: sweeping, making bed, simple mending, cooking, ironing, sewing, identifying currency and so on; Communication: Braille reading and writing; social etiquette, etc.      

Confidence-building to lead a normal and productive life takes place through activities like physical training, participation in sports and cultural events, visits to public spaces and familiarizing with public transport, etc.

Mobility

Physiotherapy Course

This 2-year full-time programme recognized by the Maharashtra State Board of Vocational Examinations was introduced in 1996.

Subjects covered include human anatomy, physiotherapy, abnormal physiology and other allied topics besides English. Assessment is through theory and practical exams. Students also volunteer at hospitals to get hand-on experience.

On completion of the course they carry out three-month internship training in hospitals.

Eligibility: Applicants should have completed higher secondary education and should possess good knowledge of English
Selection Criterion: Written Test and Interview
Number of Seats: 10

Of late, the alumni of the Physiotherapy course have set up the Indian  Association   of  Visually Impaired Physiotherapists.

Acupressure and Massage Course

In 2004 the department initiated this six-month training program that enables visually impaired individuals to work as masseurs in hospitals and clinics and also carry out a private practice.

Eligibility: Applicant should have passed Standard Seven
Selection Criterion: Written Test and Interview
Number of Seats: 10

Vocational Training Course

Covers trades like making candle/incense sticks (agarbatti), phenyl/liquid soap, garlands/torans (door-hangings), envelopes, popcorn, etc.; gas-stove servicing, sewing, other manual jobs, that can provide a livelihood. Students undergo intensive training in at least three trades. Demonstrations on marketing skills are also organized.

World White Cane Day

Each year the Department organizes demonstrations at various busy traffic junctions in Mumbai, to spread awareness about the White Cane as a symbol of independence of the blind and to educate the public about the sighted guide techniques to be utilized to lead a visually impaired individual.  Other Departments of NAB as also many institutions for the blind actively participate in this event. Public attention is focused on talent and capabilities of the visually impaired by organizing at prominent places, programs emphasizing these facet.

Annual Awards and Scholarships

M. N. Chhatrapati Awards for three Best Trainees of the Basic Rehabilitation Course

Jacob Abraham Memorial Award for Excellence in Vocational Trades

Ranjitlal Sukhadwala "Swayam Siddhi" Award for two Best Performers of the Physiotherapy Course