It is often that an individual losses sight suddenly and finds himself totally lost and helpless. In other cases, though the individual may have been blind either by birth or from a young age, he has not had the opportunity to get exposed to any services which would lead to his rehabilitation.  In order to bridge this gap NAB started The Department of Rehabilitation almost 30 years ago.

HISTORY

NAB-Department of Rehabilitation started in 1978.  Initially it offered training to the blind in basic living skills and mobility, gradually the activities of the department widen and today they fulfill a wide area of training needs.  The aim of the department has always been to make the blind person realize the 3A’s-   Accepting blindness, Adjusting to it and Achieving inspite of it.

ACTIVITIES

The department has a capacity of 30 trainees per batch out of which 16 are provided lodging and boarding facilities, they are also provided with a small monthly stipend.  The training is absolutely free.

The department conducts 31/2 months long basic rehabilitation program to initiate the people into the blindness field.  The program includes training in the following areas:

1. Daily living skills such as cooking, ironing, sewing etc.
2. Orientation and Mobility which includes Cane travel, rules of mobility both indoor and outdoor for safe movement etc.
3. Physical Training including Yoga etc.
4. Personal Grooming and Graces,
5. Braille Reading
6. Communication skills.

This program aims at building confidence in the blind persons to lead a normal and productive life.  There are several visits to places of public interest.  Efforts are undertaken to familiarize blind trainees with day-to-day activities and introduce them to public transport.

One Month Course for Students Entering College For the past three years the department has started a new program for students who have appeared in Secondary/ Higher Secondary Examination.  This program provides an opportunity to these students to get exposed to the new world.  Lectures are organized on career prospects.  Blind professionals working in responsible positions in Banks/ Industry are invited to provide guidance to these students.  They are also given training in physical fitness. The students are provided with basic training in cooking and other daily chores.  This program goes a long way in giving these students confidence prior to their entering college. All participants in the past three years have highly appreciated this new initiative of the department.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The department also offers short-term vocational training programs in candle making, aggarbatti making and other manual vocations, that can provide a livelihood.

Training course in Physiotherapy

In 1996 the department started a training program in physiotherapy. This program is recognized by the Maharashtra Board of Vocational Education.

The program consists of both theory and practical papers. Students are given in depth training in anatomy, physiotherapy and abnormal physiology and other allied subjects along with English. The students go to volunteer hospitals for their practicals.

On completion of this program, the students are placed in a few hospitals for 3 months internships .In order to enroll for this program the trainee should have completed education up to the higher secondary level and must posses a good knowledge of English as the training is imparted in English.

Training in Acupressure and Massage

In 2004 the department initiated a six-month training program in acupressure and massage. This program enables the trainees to work as masseurs in various hospitals and clinics and also carry out a private practice.

The requirement for enrollment in this training program is completion of Seventh standard. Some of the practicing visually challenged persons are also imparting training to these students.