Kirby R Lee, Cooper Rory A
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, hali, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Disabil Rehabil. 2007;29(11-12):969-72. doi: 10.1080/09638280701240730.
The objective of this study was to explore the applicability of the Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP) to the Indian context.
During a two-week period, we visited two clinical institutions and one manufacturing facility, in New Delhi, Jaipur and Kanpur, respectively. We met with local clinicians, held workshops and training sessions, and made qualitative observations.
The community obstacles observed in India were similar in nature to those in North America. However, obstacles appeared to be more prevalent and, in some cases, more extreme. Of the wheeled mobility devices that we observed in the community, arm-crank-propelled tricycles were most commonly seen. Of the hand-rim-propelled wheelchairs we observed, most were heavy and non-adjustable ('depot style'). Ground-level carts were also seen. We also encountered people who needed wheelchairs but did not have them.
The WSP requires further development and implementation in India will address present challenges. However, this preliminary evaluation suggests that WSP training has potential to help the mobility and participation of wheelchair users in India.
本研究的目的是探讨轮椅技能培训项目（WSP）在印度环境中的适用性。
在为期两周的时间里，我们分别走访了位于新德里、斋浦尔和坎普尔的两家临床机构和一家制造工厂。我们与当地临床医生会面，举办研讨会和培训课程，并进行定性观察。
在印度观察到的社区障碍在性质上与北美类似。然而，这些障碍似乎更为普遍，在某些情况下更为极端。在我们在社区中观察到的轮式移动设备中，手摇驱动的三轮车最为常见。在我们观察到的手动轮圈驱动轮椅中，大多数都很重且不可调节（“仓库式”）。也看到了地面推车。我们还遇到了需要轮椅但没有轮椅的人。
WSP在印度需要进一步发展和实施，以应对当前的挑战。然而，这项初步评估表明，WSP培训有潜力帮助印度轮椅使用者的移动性和参与度。
