Inclusive Empowerment

People with leprosy require support in various aspects in order to attain overall improved quality of life. The Inclusive Empowerment project works in Cuddalore and Vilupuram Districts, in Tamil Nadu India, supporting disability management to livelihoods.

Disability management

Through the services of a converted ambulance that provides mobile therapy, rehabilitation and specialist consultation services, patients living in rural and remote areas can access leprosy and disability services without travelling for hours or even days to their nearest hospital for these services. Additionally, the mobile van provides community and health worker education on leprosy.

The team have also established early intervention rehabilitation clinics in rural villages for children with disabilities, where parents are trained by the team to administer rehabilitation exercises.

Continuous learning and improvements are made to the van to offer improved quality and increase patient centred care. Telehealth services are now provided so that patients access specialist appointments without having to travel long distances.

3D scanning technology is also being used to obtain measurements to be sent to the workshop to create customised shoes without patients having to travel to the workshop.  Additionally, 3D printing is currently being trialled to develop artificial fingers, hands and feet.

Livelihoods

Once cured of leprosy, physical disability and stigma can continue to negatively impact the job prospects of people with leprosy. The project supports people affected by leprosy and disability to form producer group businesses where they are stakeholders, contributing to the decision-making and income generation of the businesses. The project teaches the groups about financial management, business management, market value and group structure in order to increase sustainability and help group members to take ownership of the groups. 8 producer groups in camphor making and candle making, consisting of approximately 500 members have been established.