Haiti Advantage - Our Programs
Rehabilitation Clinic and Prosthetics / Orthotics Shop
The Rehabilitation Clinic and Prosthetics / Orthotics Shop operates within Centre de Sante Lumiere (CSL) Hospital. Both inpatient and outpatient services are offered during the hours of operation of CSL. Referrals are received primarily through the doctors of CSL and area hospitals. Medical clinics and rehabilitation screenings are periodically held in rural areas.
The rehabilitation services include therapeutic exercise, mobility training, and equipment needs support. Rehabilitation equipment (crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and supportive braces) is distributed to needy patients. The equipment is donated or purchased through various organizations such as Apostolic Christian World Relief, Joni & Friends Wheels for the World, International Rotary Club, Lumiere Ministries, and PET International and is provided to patients at little or no cost.
The Rehabilitation Shop is equipped to make custom artificial limbs and braces. In August 2009, well before the January 2010 earthquake, the prosthetics/orthotics shop was deemed one of the most functional in Haiti. Since the earthquake, the clinic and shop have been very busy treating victims of the earthquake and others whose needs will continue through their lifetime. Considering these lifetime needs, the Advantage Program seeks to provide care that is sustainable and culturally appropriate.
What is an orthosis?
An appliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of moving parts of the body.
What is a prosthesis?
An artificial substitute for a missing body part, such as an arm or leg, used for functional or cosmetic reasons, or both.
Used prosthesis
Each person has a unique residual limb and will need a unique prosthesis made for just for them. Our plan is to make a custom socket primarily using the ISPO recommended International Committee of the Red Cross method for making prostheses in developing countries. The use of the ICRC method will ultimately provide greater benefit than a piecemeal approach that breeds reliance on technology those in Haiti cannot support or repair.
It has been our observation that cosmetic finishing is EXTREMELY important and must be considered. Upper extremity prostheses with hook terminal devices likely will NOT be worn; therefore, the focus will be on providing passive, aesthetic prostheses for persons with an upper extremity amputation unless the individual demonstrates the desire and will to use a more functional, yet less cosmetic upper extremity prosthesis.
Haiti Advantage Programs
Bernice Johnson Center
The Bernice Johnson Center, a residential vocational training program for women with disabilities, is modeled after and works in conjunction with an established successful domestic training program for women without disabilities. The curriculum includes sewing, embroidery, crochet, cooking, floral arranging, reading, math, theology, writing, health, and hygiene. The physical disabilities of the women include paralysis from polio, spinal cord injury, uncorrected orthopedic problems, amputation, and congenital abnormalities.
Blindness and Low Vision
The objective of this component is to provide equipment, educational training, support resources and referrals for persons with blindness/low vision. Special training is also provided to equip healthcare providers, educators, and family members in working with persons with blindness and low vision. This includes orientation and mobility and the use of adaptive equipment, Braille instruction and the creation and facilitation of support groups. Educational and Christian materials are transcribed and produced in Braille.
School Sponsorship
The School Sponsorship component helps to sponsor selected students with disabilities to attend a regular school or a special school as needed and available. The Advantage Program provides financial sponsorship and coordination of enrollment to existing schools.