`Talking equipment' for visually challenged physiotherapists

The Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) on Thursday launched fully accessible `talking electrotherapy physiotherapy equipment', for the visually challenged physiotherapists.

Dr Sam Taraporevala, director of XRCVC, told reporters today that this was a "breakthrough", as in the absence of accessible devices, the visually challenged physiotherapists relied on various kinds of adaptations and work-arounds.

The equipment has been developed in partnership with two leading manufacturers of electro-physiotherapy equipment in Maharashtra and Gujarat: Unique Medical Appliances and Tapsi Electro Medical Systems.

The equipment has clear voice-output with Indian accent, Taraporevala said.

Physiotherapy, as a career for the blind, has existed in India and the world over for last many decades. In India, visually impaired people have been trained as masseurs since 1952, Taraporevala said.

Over 220 visually impaired physiotherapists practise in the country currently, he added.