Rehab on Wheels (RoW), a mobile rehabilitation initiative jointly launched by ABB India and The Association of People with Disability (APD), has achieved a major milestone by delivering over 27,000 rehabilitation interventions in FY 2022-26. The program surpassed its annual targets and directly reached individuals in rural and peri-urban areas of Karnataka, addressing critical gaps in access, affordability, and awareness of rehabilitation services.
Program Overview and Milestones
Launched in November 2022, RoW operates through a transdisciplinary approach, providing physiotherapy, medical consultations, assistive device assessments, audiology services, and caregiver training via fixed centers and mobile units. By bringing services directly to communities, the initiative reduces reliance on urban healthcare facilities and ensures continuity of care.
During FY 2022-26, the initiative conducted over 6,000 awareness and sensitization activities, delivered more than 300 assistive device assessments and distributions, and organized 12 medical camps, exceeding planned targets. It also strengthened early identification and intervention through engagement with ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and local stakeholders.
Impact and Scalability
Marking the fourth year of Rehab on Wheels, GNV Subba Rao, Global Head of Operations, Center - Automation & Head of ABB Innovation Center, India, stated, "Over the past three years, Rehab on Wheels has evolved into a critical last-mile intervention that is bridging gaps in access, affordability, and awareness of rehabilitation services. Today, we are seeing tangible outcomes in terms of improved mobility, reduced pain, and stronger community participation. More importantly, the initiative is enabling early identification, strengthening referral systems, and building local capacity, making rehabilitation more sustainable at the community level."
Dr. N.S. Senthil Kumar (PhD Rehabilitation), President of APD Futures at APD, added, "Rehab on Wheels today stands as a strong example of how innovation and partnerships can address the inherent gaps in healthcare access. The scale it has achieved, along with the outcomes on the ground, reinforces our belief that such models can be expanded to reach many more underserved communities."
What began as a single mobile unit is now scaling into a fleet of three buses, with additional corporate interest in supporting the program. This expansion demonstrates a scalable model for inclusive, community-based rehabilitation in India.
About the Organizations
APD, established in 1959, is a pioneering non-profit that has impacted over 6 lakh people with disabilities from underprivileged communities. Its programs cover 18 of the 21 disabilities under the RPWD Act 2016, reaching over 60,000 beneficiaries annually with a diverse team of over 230 members (45% women and 30% persons with disabilities). ABB India, a technology leader in electrification and automation, has been present in India for over a century and employs more than 8,000 people across manufacturing, R&D, and services.
