LEPRA provides a range of services to remove barriers. This table summarises what our SER programmes consist of

LEPRA’s work with leprosy shares the values and approach to disability that is now widely adopted in the UK.

We’ve learned that cures alone are not enough to deliver a full life. We’ve recognised that, with sufficient will, barriers preventing disabled people from joining the mainstream of society can be removed.

For those with leprosy in India, LEPRA seeks social integration, independence in living, and improved quality of life.

Leprosy is cured with multi-drug therapy within six to 12 months, yet for someone who has been technically cured of the disease, physical impairment can remain. It can be a substantial barrier to gaining acceptance and earning a living. Consider tailors such as Bandichhod and Mohmed.

Bandichhod was diagnosed with leprosy aged 25 and before he met LEPRA he found it hard to support his wife, child and parents. Mohmed developed leprosy-related nerve damage and a clawed-hand, and found it increasingly difficult to hold his work tools and keep up with the speed of factory work.

There was serious risk of Bandichhod and Mohmed being unable to work, of losing income and of robbing the family of the necessities to sustain life. There was serious risk of them falling into a vicious cycle of dependency, ostracism and exclusion.

For Bandichhod and Mohmed more needed to be done than medical ‘cure’. Medical treatment is a beginning, not an end.

Socio-economic rehabilitation programmes

Although most people are resilient enough to cope with physical impairment, they need their environment adapted if they are to continue an active life.

LEPRA’s socio-economic rehabilitation (SER) programmes aim to move beyond medical cure and help people regain their place in the community, access their rights and lead a productive and dignified life.

Under our SER programmes, people like Bandichhod are offered vocational training in a new trade. People like Mohmed are offered reconstructive surgery for their hands, and are provided with adapted tools so that they can return to their chosen trade.

Mohmed received a hand splint to restore function without hindering his work, and an old sewing machine. Mohmed went from making one pair of trousers a day to three pairs. This increased output brought financial benefits, as well as regained pride and sense of worth.

LEPRA provides a range of services to remove disabling barriers and create an enabling environment. The table above provides a summary of what our SER programmes consist of:

Accessing entitlements:

Disabling barriers are not always physical. A lack of knowledge of benefits and entitlements, and a lack of assertiveness to demand them, can constitute an equally substantial barrier. Filling in an official form can be a daunting prospect for someone whose literacy and writing abilities are weak.

LEPRA helps people apply for the government benefits and allowances that they are entitled to. These include pensions, disability benefits and loans. People are also encouraged to access scholarships and vocational training.

Promoting independence:

LEPRA provides small loans from its revolving fund. Such loans can help individuals start a new business or learn a new and appropriate trade. This generates an income which, in turn, allows them to pay back the loan.

Livelihoods are built, self-confidence is restored and those once stigmatised may be reintegrated into the community. In 2009, over 300 people benefited from LEPRA’s revolving fund and from its support and advocacy in helping individuals gain support, grants and pensions from government and private philanthropic sources.

LEPRA views independence in terms of the quality of life a person can attain with assistance and support. LEPRA supports the administration of cures, but it moves beyond cure to help build independent futures.

For those with leprosy and other diseases of poverty, LEPRA provides the assistance and advocacy required to remove disabling barriers and build opportunities to improve quality of life.

LEPRA relies heavily on support from people like you. Find out more about supporting LEPRA with a donation or a gift in your Will.

(No testimonials)

Posted by nicolettedawson 09:50 17.01.2011

Leave a comment about this article here