Assistive Devices for PWDs, Children with GDD and the Elderly
When Samarthya first started providing services to PWDs in the Devadurga taluk of Raichuru district in 1989, its main clientele were people with orthopedic disabilities. This was before Pulse Polio campaigns ended the scourge of polio. The first ALIMCO workshop for the then integrated Raichuru district was established by Samarthya in the Jalahalli village of Devadurga Taluk, Raichur district.
Before this, PWDs had to travel to Hyderabad, Hubli or Bengaluru to access any kind of aids and appliances. Unfortunately, this also meant that the smallest requirement for maintenance or repair also needed them to travel back to these places again. This was then the single biggest reason for people dropping out and discarding their assistive devices.
Subsequently, Samarthya adopted light-weight calipers made from PVC pipes. This was an innovation of Handicap International, Pondicherry. Today, the workshop also produces the Jaipur Foot, customised to individual requirements.
The workshop also assembles and distributes Motivational wheelchairs, apart from tricycles.
Currently, the Koppal workshop produces, assembles and re-sells over 60 products for People with Orthopaedic Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy and the Deaf.
Apart from re-selling BTE (Behind The Ear) hearing devices, the Koppal workshop also has facilities for ear moulds and hearing aids maintenance.
The workshop also undertakes repairs and maintenance of all devices.