Profs. Andrea Duncan and Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia Explore Mobility Solutions in India
In November 2024, Profs. Andrea Duncan and Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, along with Franzina Coutinho, Director of Research, and Ramasubramanian Ponnusamy, Director of Rehab from Amar Seva Sangam and Doss Prakash, Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Mission University, embarked on a transformative 15-day research trip in India as part of their work with the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation. The goal of this trip was to advance the understanding of mobility needs for children with disabilities and foster international collaborations that address critical challenges in disability and rehabilitation.
The cornerstone of the trip was data collection for the project Children with Disabilities in India: A Needs Analysis. The goal is to inform the needs and future considerations for the design of an innovative paediatric walker that works for children in India. The research team conducted nine focus groups and six individual interviews across the cities of Mumbai, Aurangabad, Ayikudy and Chennai in India to build evidence on this topic. Participants included over 40 clinicians, orthotists and vendors who shared invaluable insights about barriers and enablers to mobility solutions in India.
Building Research and Educational Collaborations
The trip also served as a platform for forging partnerships with some of India’s leading academic institutions. Meetings with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Bombay and Madras provided valuable insights into how product ideas transition from conceptualization to testing to commercialization. These discussions highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in bringing assistive technologies to market.
At Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) University in Aurangabad, India, the team engaged in a full day of meetings with senior leaders, including the CEO, Secretary, Registrar, Dean of Medicine and Head of Physiotherapy. Their discussions explored potential collaborations in research and education, particularly in occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences. The visit captured the attention of the local Maharashtra newspaper.
A highlight of the visit to MGM was the international symposium where Profs. Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia and Andrea Duncan spoke to students and faculty about the latest research on vocational rehabilitation, return to work and managing wicked problems in health care.
Engaging with Amar Seva Sangam
The team’s visit to Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA) in Ayikudy, India was another impactful moment. The visit allowed the researchers from the University of Toronto to observe the amazing achievements of ASSA and develop plans for future research and educational activities. Prof. Nowrouzi-Kia presented to clinicians on the value of return to work and vocational rehabilitation, emphasizing the role these interventions play in enhancing independence and societal participation for individuals with disabilities.
The presentation and subsequent meetings sparked meaningful discussions about potential research and advances to ASSA’s vocational rehabilitation program.
Looking Ahead
The next steps involve publishing two papers based on the data collected. One paper will focus on the specific design needs for a paediatric walker in India. Another will explore the systemic factors affecting children’s mobility in India. The research team hopes to support the development of a paediatric walker made in India for Indian children.
We would like to thank the University of Toronto India Foundation for the generous support of this research initiative. Additionally, we would like to thank Amar Seva Sangam for their support with this project, as well as years of collaboration and support of University of Toronto’s International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation and the rehabilitation sector. Lastly, we would like to thank Mahatma Gandhi Mission University for hosting a visit and planning for future educational and research initiatives.