1. Develop a centre for physical rehabilitation
The Timor Loro Sa’e Centre for Physical Rehabilitation (TLSPR) was completed and opened in April 2005. The centre is in a purposely renovated building in Becora, Díli, and includes workshop areas for production of appliances, therapy areas, and office space.
2. Recruit local and international staff to work in the rehabilitation centre
The TLSPR has recruited nineteen national staff to work for the program. This includes two Bench Technicians, three Rehabilitation Workers, one Client Liaison Worker, two administration staff, one driver, and five ancillary staff. In addition, three national staff are studying prosthetics and orthotics in Cambodia , and two national staff will commence studying physiotherapy in Solo, Indonesia in September 2006.
The TLSPR has three international staff members currently working for the project: Cornelis Visser (Netherlands), Centre Director, Louise Maher (Australia), Senior Physiotherapist, Bun Sophea (Cambodia), Prosthetist-Orthotist.
3. Establish clinical rehabilitation services
The TLSPR essentially provides prosthetic, orthotic and physiotherapy services to people with disabilities in Timor Leste. Services commenced in April 2005, and up to August 2006, approximately 270 clients have benefited from these services. Beneficiaries include people affected by leprosy, accident and trauma, polio, stroke, developmental delay, and cerebral palsy.
4. Develop local capacity through training and mentoring
The eventual goal is for TLSPR to be managed and run by national staff. Towards this aim all staff are receiving training and mentoring:
- Three national staff studying prosthetics and orthotics in Cambodia. The first graduate, Nelson da Silva, due to return to Timor Leste in September 2006 after finishing his final exams.
- Two national staff commence a three-year program in physiotherapy in Solo, Indonesia in September 2006.
- The three Rehabilitation Workers and the Client Liaison Worker are participating in the Rehabilitation Training Program, a two-year training program of classroom and fieldwork training.
- Bench technicians and rehabilitation workers receive on the job mentoring from international Prosthetist-Orthotists and Physiotherapists.
5. Develop links with the East Timorese Government for future handover
ASSERT has strong links with the Ministry of Labour and Community re-Insertion. This relationship began officially with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2004 and has developed so that the TLSPR is now partially funded by the Ministry. The plan is for the Ministry to assume greater responsibility for the administration and funding of the program from 2011 in a joint private-public partnership.
6. Develop local governance of ASSERT as an East Timorese NGO
ASSERT is governed locally by a Board of Trustees, comprising eight members, all East Timorese nationals three of whom are from the Ministries of Labour & Community Re-insertion and Health. The Board has been involved in workshops and training, and now has an international advisor to assist in developing capacity in governance.
7. Develop links with local and international partners
The TLSPR works closely with The Ministry of Labour and Community Re-Insertion (RDTL), Katilosa, Klibur Domin, Ita Nian Uma Cliníca Aíleu, Christian Blind Mission, The Leprosy Mission International, Motivation, and The Spastic Centre NSW.
The TLSPR is a member of the Disability Working Group and the Community Based Rehabilitation Working Group.
8. Participate in development of wider disability services and advocacy for people with disabilities in Timor Leste
The TLSPR was involved in the drafting of the national policy for people with disability, and will be involved in implementing the policy. The TLSPR has also been involved in exploring the development of other services for people with disabilities, including mobility aids, equipment, community-based rehabilitation (CBR), speech and occupational therapy, and inclusive education.
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. The programme's objectives are:
1. 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.
2. To empower wheelchair users through the establishment of DPO led
peer group training and support.
Donations towards this programme would be gratefully accepted!!