ASSERT Blog

Referral Network Training

2007-12-18T17:54:00.001+09:00

ReferralNetworkTraining.jpg, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

On the 8-9th of October, ASSERT and Motivation Australia conducted wheelchair service referral network training for 21 participants including St Francis Workshop and ASSERT staff, Community Based Rehabilitation Workers and hospital and clinic staff.

The training ran over two full days and covered areas such as independence and basic mobility for wheelchair users, services available in Timor, referral procedures, general wheelchair education and handling, basic maintenance of wheelchairs, pressure sore prevention and positive communication. The training was conducted by Physiotherapist Louise Maher from ASSERT, Eileen Velicky from St Francis workshop, Kylie Mines from Motivation Australia and co-facilitated by Paulo Amaral (Wheelchair Program Coordinator) and Alotu De Costa Sarmento (Rehabilitation Consultant at ASSERT) and Brie Mutton (OT).

First Lady Cup

2007-12-18T02:36:00.000+09:00

On the 18th of Nov, 14 tricycle users participated in the annual First Lady Cup in Dili, Timor Leste. Tricycle users from Dili, Alieu, and Tibar represented ASSERT and St Francis Workshop, giving the other walkers and runners a taste of the high level of skill, competitiveness and passion that these men have. Not only did the trike users finish in fantastic time, no one told them to turn around at the half way mark so they rode much further than the 10km required, in addition to the many kms they had to travel to reach the destination!!! They were all presented with a gift from Kirsty Sword Gusmao. It was also a fantastic opportunity for community members to recognize the magnitude of these men’s efforts in overcoming enormous adversity.

Assert Poster

2007-12-14T03:47:00.001+09:00

Assert Poster, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

A poster to promote the services provided at the TLSPR rehabilitation centre. Raising awareness of the services available and the benefits they bring is an important part of our work.

Latest photos from ASSERT

2007-12-12T22:50:00.001+09:00

Workshop, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

Prosthetic limbs in the TLSPR workshop. ASSERT is training East Timorese technicians to make prostheses and orthoses in order to build local capacity.

Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT

Latest photos from ASSERT

2007-12-12T22:49:00.001+09:00

Physical therapy, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

A young cerebral palsy client having physical therapy to improve her mobility.

Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT

Latest photos from ASSERT

2007-12-12T22:48:00.003+09:00

Limb Fitting, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

A young client having her first prosthetic limb fitted.

Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT

Latest photos from ASSERT

2007-12-12T22:48:00.001+09:00

A young client, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

A young client working with a TLSPR staff member.

Photo by Martine Perret / UNMIT

CBR Training Program Graduation

2007-11-26T19:17:00.001+09:00

Rehabilitation Training Programme, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

The first phase of Rehabilitation Training Program, a 12 month course in Community Based Rehabilitation, concluded in September 2007, with a graduation ceremony held at ASSERT.

The Programa Treinementu Rehabilitasaun was established in 2006, to look at human resource training and capacity building for the successful implementation of Community and Centre Based Rehabilitation Services in Timor Leste. The training program has been implemented and managed by a collaborative partnership of five NGOs based in Timor Leste- ASSERT, The Leprosy Mission International, Uma Ita Nian Clinica Aileu, Katilosa, and Klibur Domin- in partnership with The Spastic Centre (NSW, Australia) and the CBR Development and Training Centre from Solo, Indonesia. Funds were received from local donors (TLMI, ILO, and The British Embassy). Twenty five participants began the Level 1 CBR training program in March 2006, and twenty graduated from the course in September 2007, with the planned 12 month process taking 18 months due to civil unrest.

In 2008 ASSERT will develop and implement a Mid Level Rehabilitation Worker training program, for staff requiring more specific training in therapy implementation and assistance. Concurrently, a separate program for the training of CBR and Centre Managers has been commenced, and will continue in 2008.

Tricycle training

2007-11-26T05:42:00.001+09:00

Tricycle training, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

An ASSERT client receives peer training on her new tricycle, which she will use for transport in her community.

Wheelchair training

2007-11-26T05:41:00.001+09:00

wheelchair5.jpg, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

ASSERT's first wheelchair clients receive training.

This marks the start of ASSERT's new wheelchair programme, developed in partnership with Motivation.

Wheelchair program

2007-11-26T05:40:00.001+09:00

wheelchair4.jpg, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

On the 29th of October Hadulas Program delivered its first Worldmade Wheelchair to Joel Fernandes. Over the past two years ASSERT and Motivation Australia have been working in collaboration to develop a wheelchair scheme for the people of Timor Leste. They have had huge support from partner / donor organizations including The Leprosy Mission International (TLMI), The Ministry and Social and Solidarity (MSS), The International Labor Organisation, Motivation Australia, and AusAid (ETCAS).

Hadulus aims to provide a comprehensive wheelchair service including assessment, prescription, assembly and fittings of quality chairs to individuals with mobility issues. It also links in with the broader ASSERT services to provide ongoing physiotherapy and education about issues such as pressure sores, mobility training, transfers and promoting independence for people with a mobility disability.

Joel Fernandes is a 23 year old man who sustained a spinal cord injury one year ago in a motor vehicle accident. He had been confined to his house up until recently when he received the first of many Worldmade wheelchairs to be distributed in Timor. It has been a hard road to recovery for Joel, as he has come up against issues such as environment barriers, limited education and information, and limited access to equipment that enables him to move around his home and community.

Joel has been selected as a candidate for the first peer group training that will be run in January 2008. The training aims to increase the skills of people with a disability so they can go on to train other people with a mobility disability to become more independent in daily life through disability education, wheelchair provision and services and positive health promotion. This training will be delivered by two successful international wheelchair users who will give some positive examples and inspiration to the wheelchair users of Timor Leste. Watch this space for a report on that event!

Outreach

2007-11-26T05:39:00.001+09:00

Outreach, originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

The ASSERT Outreach team give exercises and carer education to a young boy with cerebral palsy in the Manatutu District.

Job Vacancies at ASSERT

2007-06-27T23:51:00.000+09:00

ASSERT East Timor (in partnership with VIDA Volunteers) is currently recruiting for a qualified Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

ASSERT (The Associasaun Ema Ra’es Timor Lorasa’e) is a local non-profit, Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in East Timor, working for and with physically disabled people. ASSERT has established the Timor Loro Sa’e Centre for Physical Rehabilitation (TLSPR). The TLSPR provides centre based physiotherapy, prosthetic, and orthotic services and is involved in the establishment of community-based rehabilitation programs for East Timor. It is also involved in working collaboratively with other partners in disability services, including government, to develop rehabilitation services, raise disability awareness in the community, and address issues of integrating disabled people into the community including facilitating their inclusion into mainstream poverty reduction programs. For more info please see www.asserteasttimor.com

Position One: Occupational Therapist:

The Occupational Therapy position to facilitate the development of a National Wheelchair Service at ASSERT (called Hadulas).

Wheelchair Program Information:

ASSERT is commencing a Wheelchair Service Provision and Peer Group Support Program in partnership with Motivation, a UK based INGO, The Ministry of Labor and Community Reinsertion RDTL, and St Francis Clinic Aileu. The aim is for this program to commence in July 2007, as a new program under ASSERT.

The broad summary of the Wheelchair Service Provision and Peer Group Support Program proposal is as follows:

1. Develop a partnership between ASSERT, the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, the Ministry of Health, the St Francis Workshop, the Motivation Charitable Trust, and local organisations involved in disability initiatives, to develop a national wheelchair service program (includes development of a sub group of Disability Working Group).

2. Establish a national wheelchair service under ASSERT / TLSPR . This includes establishing a clinic, workshop, and referral space, recruitment of staff, and development of administration and organisational systems.

3. Establish a supply of wheelchairs and tricycles (including both Worldmade wheelchairs imported, and made to order items from St Francis Workshop Aileu).

4. Initiate a comprehensive 3 year training programme for National staff to equip the wheelchair service with professionally trained clinical and technical personnel, and provide training to referral network staff.

5. Develop and implement referral processes, and service delivery and provision processes.

6. Establish a national wheelchair financing system in conjunction with MTRC

7. To establish national product wheelchair guidelines / standards

8. To develop peer training awareness and skills in a core group of East Timorese wheelchair users with the potential to lead peer group training and support in the future.

9. To incorporate monitoring, evaluation, development, and planning strategies for development and expansion of program in the future.

Position Objectives:

1. Establish the Proposed Wheelchair Service Provision and Peer Group Support Program- Timor Leste.

2. Commence establishment of Occupational Therapy Services at ASSERT.

Person Specifications:

Essential

1. Degree in Occupational Therapy

2. Registered as an Occupational Therapist in home state

3. At least 5 years clinical experience in relevant occupational therapy areas, such as wheelchair services, special seating, rehabilitation, neurology, paediatrics, amputees, orthopaedics or burns.

Desirable

1. Program Management experience.

2. Occupational therapy teaching experience

3. Experience working in developing countries as an occupational therapist

4. Post-graduate education in occupational therapy, research, education, or development

5. Fluency in Tetum or Bahasa Indonesia

Essential Personal Qualities

Commitment to team work, coaching and mentoring others

Awareness and sensitivity of cross-cultural settings

Patience, tolerance and flexibility

Ability to cope with cultural isolation and a different standard of living to that of Australia

A preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment

Other Desirable Personal Qualities

Ability to identify non-standard clinical solutions to presenting problems

As these positions are supported by VIDA Volunteers, only Australian citizens may apply at this time.

Commencing Date: September 2007.

Contract Duration: 18 months

Terms and Conditions: This position is a volunteer position in partnership with VIDA Volunteers. Please see www.vidavolunteers.com.au for more information about terms and conditions.

How To Apply:

ASSERT will complete the recruitment process and forward the nominated applicant details to VIDA Volunteers. Please send applications to Louise Maher, Technical Advisor, on louise@asserteasttimor.com by 20^th July, 2007.

More Info: Louise Maher +670 726 0423 or louise@asserteasttimor.com

Position Two: Physiotherapist

The Physiotherapy position is an ongoing position, designed to support the development of physiotherapy services at ASSERT.

Position Description:

Objective 1:

To participate in the establishment, development, and provision of clinical services for people with disabilities in East Timor, both centre based and community based.
• To develop, initiate and provide physiotherapy clinical services for people with disabilities in East Timor, both centre based and community based, together with ASSERT staff
• To address issues of return to independent living, occupational retraining, or inclusive education for people with disabilities post rehabilitation, together with ASSERT staff
• To develop links with other service providers for people with disabilities to ensure collaboration and cohesive management in the allocation of available resources, together with ASSERT staff
• To work with partners and government in disability advocacy, together with ASSERT staff

Objective 2:

To provide “on the job” training as well as structured teaching sessions to local staff working as rehabilitation worker trainees.
• To provide “on the job” training as well as structured teaching sessions to trainees therapists
• To participate in implementation of Rehabilitation Training program, a collaborative training program for mid level and community based rehabilitation workers in East Timor
• To explore and facilitate training and education options to ensure appropriate staff development occurs for therapists

Person Specifications:

Essential:

• Degree in Physiotherapy
• Registered as an Physiotherapist in home state

• At least three years clinical experience in relevant physiotherapy areas, such as rehabilitation, neurology, paediatrics, amputees, orthopaedics or burns

Desirables:

• Physiotherapy teaching experience
• Experience working in developing countries as a physiotherapist
• Post-graduate education in physiotherapy, research, education, or development
• Fluency in Tetum, Bahasa, or Portuguese

Desirable Personal Qualities:
• Commitment to team work, coaching and mentoring others
• Awareness and sensitivity of cross-cultural settings
• Patience, tolerance and flexibility
• Ability to cope with cultural isolation and a different standard of living to that of Australia
• A preparedness to work with limited resources within a challenging environment
• Ability to identify non-standard clinical solutions to presenting problems, taking resources, environment and culture into account

As these positions are supported by VIDA Volunteers, only Australian citizens may apply at this time.

Commencing Date: September 2007.

Contract Duration: 18 months

Terms and Conditions: This position is a volunteer position in partnership with VIDA Volunteers. Please see www.vidavolunteers.com.au for more information about terms and conditions.

How To Apply:

More Info: Louise Maher +670 726 0423 or louise@asserteasttimor.com

Training programme

2007-05-16T17:09:00.000+09:00

Louise Maher (Senior Physiotherapist) writes about a training program that has been developed and delivered in Timor by the disability NGOs (including ASSERT). The course trains people who are working with people with disabilities, in clinics or in the community.

The training program is a collaborative project that was developed to provide to develop local expertise and cadres of human resources for Rehabilitation Services in Timor Leste (Centre and Community Based Rehabilitation - CBR) through participatory, competency based training. The Programa Treinementu Rehabilitasaun was established in 2006.

This is a collaboration of the six project partners (ASSERT, Klibur Domin, TLMI, Katilosa, Ita Nian Uma Clinica Aileu, and The Spastic Centre NSW). Funds were received from local donors (TLMI, ILO, and The British Embassy). Twenty five participants began the Level 1 CBR training program in March 2006. The participants are staff from the disability NGOs, and work across 7 districts of Timor Leste. Due to the civil crisis in Timor Leste in 2006, the conclusion of the training will now not be until June 2007. It is envisaged that the Level 2 training will continue for some of these participants in July- December 2007 at ASSERT as required. The Level 1 CBR training will commence again for 25 new participants in 2008.

Participants will graduate as CBR workers after Level 1. Those who go on with further training will qualify as mid level rehabilitation workers (this includes all the ASSERT participants). The focus of CBR and rehabilitation is on the inclusion of the person with a disability within their community and on accessing local community resources where possible to facilitate their rehabilitation and inclusion within the community.

In CBR, disability issues are viewed not only as problems faced by individuals, but as social problems faced by communities. The training therefore is not a process of transferred information but as a behaviour change process that consists of addressing attitude, knowledge and skills. The participant therefore, will be equipped to consider the change of community behavior as a whole rather than the change of the individual with a disability only.

The first phase of the training program has been a steep learning curve for both the participants and the trainers! The current participants are a great group of committed people, who are doing some fantastic work out in the clinics and communities. It is a long and slow road to developing skills and services for people with disabilities in Timor Leste, but this program feels like a very significant and positive step.

New disabled people's organisation

2007-05-16T17:00:00.000+09:00

A new disabled people's organisation (DPO) was established in East Timor in 2006. ASSERT is trying to support this new initiative. Below is a summary of the organisation's activities so far, written by Joaozito dos Santos, a member of the DPO.

Kra’as Hadomi Timor Oan (original languages Tetum, means that to love all (not only person with problem of the legs or blinds) disabilities people in East Timor.) is the name of the DPO. The name is chosen by the vote of the all members of DPOs.
This organization is independent. And wanted to emphasize and empower the right of persons with disabilities (PWD). To advocated, to aware community and encourage.

Short Story
The first DPO started on 21st of Aug.2006. While the crisis of the political in East Timor is happening actually. First of the meeting is just to discussed about the problem that affected with disabilities people and the other one is about the right for disabilities people.

The first meeting is already decided to make the regular meeting for every month. Per once meeting for a month. There 16 persons are come to take participated for the meeting some of them are from People with Disabled and some of them are from staffs NGOs (ASSERT and TLMI). ASSERT and TLMI are facilitated only for DPO (example car for distributed and pick up members of DPO and money for snack and lunch).

Resulted of the first meeting talked about how to protect and rise up People with Disabled right to participate and get the accessibilities in the process of development in East Timor. Some of ideas are come from PWD that very critical.

This organization is initiated by some of people and gave the activities are done and responsible by Mr. Joaozito dos Santos and Mr. Mateus. And got supported ideas by Mrs. Louise (ASSERT), Mrs. Angelika (TLMI – The Leprosy Mission International), Mr. Jose Manuel do Carmo (TLMI) and others friends. Got the supporting to facilitated this organization from TLMI and ASSERT.

Recently ASSERT supported $500.00 for DPO to facilitated their activities (e.g. Transportation, snack and another else).

The activities that already done are:

During at this time DPO just to organized the small group discussion. The discussion just tried to find out the PWD’s problems that affected them. And the other one is discussed about the right for DPO and it’s much focused and become the important issue for DPO in East Timor. And the other discussion did take the decision to named for the DPO is Kra’as Hadomi Timor Oanwhile it’s just urgent named of the resulted of discussion of members.
Participated in International day for PWD in Aileu on 3^rd of December 2006.
Joined the meeting with Disability Working Group.
Joined the workshop related with DPO and CBR program.

These meeting are participated of the represented from government some NGOs that related to the PWD’s issue.

Vision and mission of Kra’as Hadomi Timor Oan

Vision

· To force and empower the integrity (solidarity) for disabled people.

· Protect and interest for disabled people right in the part of development process and get the accessibilities as the others citizen.

· To maintenance and rise up the disabilities dignities in the same right and same equalities as other citizen.

· To fight and eradicate the discrimination with disabilities people and give the opportunity for disabilities people to take and participate in all areas of the process of development.

Mission

To empowering advocacy for disabilities people in the part of Education, rise up the human resources for disabilities in society. To emphasize the human right for disabilities people (the policy for disabilities people), awareness the community to involve the people with disabled through the workshop, civic education. Making monitoring and recording the information for people with disabilities.

Objective:

To instill self-confidence, encourage self-reliance and meet the individual needs of persons with disabilities. APD also aims to create awareness, and promote acceptance and integration within society of people with disabilities.

ASSERT to launch new Wheelchair Programme

2007-05-16T16:40:00.000+09:00

In July 2007, ASSERT is starting a new programme to establish a National Wheelchair Service in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Community Re-Insertion, Motivation, and St Francis Clinic Aileu.

Programme Goal:
To empower wheelchair users in East Timor through increased access to, and active participation in, civil life.

Programme objectives:

To establish a sustainable national wheelchair service, implemented as a partnership programme between ASSERT, the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, the Ministry of Health, the St Francis Workshop, the Motivation Charitable Trust, and local organisations involved in disability initiatives.
To empower wheelchair users through the establishment of DPO led peer group training and support.

Programme Summary:

Develop a partnership between ASSERT, the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, the Ministry of Health, the St Francis Workshop, the Motivation Charitable Trust, and local organisations involved in disability initiatives, to develop a national wheelchair service program (includes development of a as sub group of Disability Working Group).
Establish a national wheelchair service under ASSERT / TLSPR . This includes establishing a clinic, workshop, and referral space, recruitment of staff, and development of administration and organisational systems.
Establish a supply of wheelchairs and tricycles (including both Worldmade wheelchairs imported, and made to order items from St Francis Workshop Aileu).
Initiate a comprehensive 3 year training programme for National staff to equip the wheelchair service with professionally trained clinical and technical personnel, and provide training to referral network staff.
Develop and implement referral processes, and service delivery and provision processes.
Establish a national wheelchair financing system in conjunction with MTRC.
To establish national product wheelchair guidelines / standards.
To develop peer training awareness and skills in a core group of East Timorese wheelchair users with the potential to lead peer group training and support in the future.
To incorporate monitoring, evaluation, development, and planning strategies for development and expansion of program in the future.

We are still in the fund raising and development phase, but are very much looking forward to getting this programme up and running this year. Donations towards this programme would be gratefully accepted!!

A Light of Hope

2007-04-24T21:19:00.000+09:00

East Timor is new nation, which after the independence struggle towards fulfilling the nation building capacity and faces many political, economical and security challenges.

Earlier 2006, instability and civil unrest took place. This fragile situation made worse by sectarianism, the crisis deepens. Many lives were lost, houses burnt while tens of thousands of people seek shelter in the refugee camps. UN stated around 70,000 people is displaced and live in refuge camps since May 2006 (at the moment the Internal Displaced People No is 30-40.000). Shelter, food, hygiene and sanitation become major problem faced by the refugees and are great burden for the disabled people and their families to live in an environment like this.

ASSERT’S (one of Cambodia Trust’s partnership projects) Physical Rehabilitation Centre (TLSPR) is a centre that provides help and real support for disabled people in this country where hopes are redeemed and dreamed become true. TLSPR is working closely with other partners like The Leprosy Mission International (TLMI), CARE international and PLAN, in surveying all the camps to collect data about disabled people and to provide direct support for those who are in much needed like wheelchairs, crutches, as well as some long term support for their independent and mobility through the provision of artificial legs and limbs.

June 7th 2006, a visit was done to one of the camps in Dili (Obrigado Barracks), where we assisted 12 clients; among them I met one disabled girl called Suzana De Jesus, a 12 years old girl. Over the last 3 years she became depended on using the auxiliary crutch for her mobility. She suffered from oesteo sarcoma and had endured 3 operations to fix her problem. Unfortunately these operations had left her with Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD) of 20cm/8 inches of her right leg.

The LLD made her not able to touch the ground and put weight on her right leg. The LLD made her shy and unable to freely participate in social life and lost her confidence. She is studying at Junior High School which is 1 ½ KM away. With the help of her crutch she walked to school every day. However, the long usage of the crutch caused pressure soars on her hands. Following the extensive consultation she was prescribed a combination of artificial limb (Ortho-Prosthesis) to compensate the shortening of her leg and maximize the level of function. On the fitting day she came with her family who witnessed her happiness when the artificial limb was fitted; they too were happy. Physiotherapy staff helped her with exercises to increase her strength and improve her walking ability. She attended this training 3 times a week. I delivered her temporary artificial leg and a week later she came back for finalizing her leg. She was concern about using the artificial leg with her shorts so ASSERT helped getting a new pair of jeans so that it will cover her artificial leg once it was fitted.

The ortho-prosthesis is now part of her life and has made so much different because she is now walking independently; confidence and so proud to stand tall like other normal people. She is again actively participating in social activities and one happy, vibrant young girl with more positive attitudes toward life. Suzana’s story is one of successful interventions that ASSERT could assist. Still there are hundreds of disable people who are disadvantaged by deeply entrenched discrimination, poverty, poor infrastructure and lack of rehabilitation services.

Thanks
Faiz-ur-Rehman

Prosthatist & Orthotist
ASSERT Becora Dili Timor Leste

Meet the team...Amaro

2007-03-08T03:59:00.001+09:00

Assert - Amaro
Originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

Amaro, Bench Technician, at work making an orthosis (leg brace).

Amaro is one of several East Timorese staff members receiving training from ASSERT.

Meet the team...Louise and Aloto

2007-03-08T03:57:00.001+09:00

Assert - Louise
Originally uploaded by Cambodia Trust.

Louise, Senior Physiotherapist and Aloto, Rehabilitation Worker, with a young client.

A happy customer!

2007-03-01T03:01:00.000+09:00

A young cerebral palsy client in a standing frame made for him at ASSERT.

Meet the team...Nelson

2007-03-01T02:58:00.000+09:00

Nelson is making history - he is the first East Timorese person to qualify as a Prosthetist-Orthotist. He completed his 3-year training at the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics in September 2006 and has now returned home to work in ASSERT.

Meet the team...Caetano

2007-03-01T02:56:00.000+09:00

Caetano, Finance officer.

Meet the team...Thyda

2007-03-01T02:54:00.000+09:00

Thyda, Prosthetist-Orthotist from Cambodia. (ASSERT is a partnership project with The Cambodia Trust www.cambodiatrust.com.)

Meet the team...Faiz

2007-03-01T02:51:00.000+09:00

Faiz, Prosthetist-Orthotist from Pakistan, overseeing ASSERT's bench technicians taking their exams.

Meet the team...Alex

2007-03-01T02:49:00.000+09:00

Alex, ASSERT receptionist.