Walking Better in Nepal

I’ve just gotten back from a trip to Nepal where I delivered the box of DAFOs you sent for me to take. Thanks so much!

While I was in Nepal, I gave five days of training to a group of health workers associated with the SAHAJ Health-Co-operative, in the village of Gaindakot, which is in the Terai region of the country. I trained 20 people: parents, nurses and other health care workers. During the training, I was able to fi t several pairs of the braces. Here are some pictures you might enjoy.

I left the rest of the braces with the cooperative. When I departed, they were in the process of building a locking cabinet, and they had already selected the health worker who will be in charge of the DAFOs. She has received additional training on correct use, fitting and so on, and I’ve left written instructions, which will be translated into Nepali for future reference.

I really appreciate the honor of being the middle person: seeing the smiles of the kids who are walking so much better than they’ve ever walked before. Their parents are also thrilled.

Warmly and with appreciation,

Jan Townsley, OTR/L, BCP
Occupational Therapy for Kids, Mountain View, Ariz.

Ishidor on his grandmother's lap. Dipesh helped by mother and father.