Mumbai Welcomes Inclusive Aquatic Therapy Pool for Children with Disabilities
Mumbai has taken a significant step towards inclusive healthcare with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art temperature-controlled Aquatic Therapy Pool at the ADAPT (Able Disabled All People Together) centre in Bandra. This pioneering facility, established with support from Orbis Financial Corporation Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, aims to provide free rehabilitation services to children from low-income families grappling with disabilities.
A Milestone Moment: First Steps in Water
The pool witnessed a heartwarming milestone during its inauguration when a 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, whose identity has been protected, took his first steps in water. With the assistance of physiotherapist Dr Arunima Sharma, the child engaged in leg and back movements on a movable platform, marking a breakthrough in his therapeutic journey. "He has taken only one intro session. I have seen the difference in children with cerebral palsy and autism. For kids who struggle to stand or maintain balance, aqua is a safe medium as the chance of falling reduces and weightlessness makes movements easier," Dr Sharma remarked, highlighting the transformative potential of aquatic therapy.
Safety and Accessibility at the Forefront
Designed with meticulous attention to safety and hygiene, the pool features advanced amenities to ensure a secure environment for therapy sessions. Key components include:
- A heat pump for maintaining optimal water temperature
- A pool lift seat and scissoring platform to assist entry and exit
- A high-efficiency filtration unit to uphold hygiene standards
Measuring four feet in depth, 13 feet in width, and 12 feet in length, the pool can accommodate three therapists and three children simultaneously. Participants are required to wear waterproof diapers and water-friendly clothing during sessions to maintain comfort and sanitation.
Medical Precautions and Affordability Concerns
Dr Arunima Sharma issued a crucial caution regarding the necessity of medical screening prior to therapy. "Medical screening is essential before therapy, as conditions like active seizures or infections could be triggered by water," she advised, underscoring the importance of tailored healthcare approaches. The high cost of aqua therapy in Mumbai, typically ranging from Rs 700 to Rs 2,500 per session, renders it unaffordable for many families. Orbis President Upendra Tripathi emphasized the organization's commitment to bridging this gap, stating, "This is a costly set-up not easily available in the city. We thought ADAPT is a good organisation with trained therapists and doctors. Children from below poverty line families can avail the facility free of cost."
ADAPT's Legacy and Future Aspirations
Founded in 1972 by Padma Shri Dr Mithu Alur with just three children in Colaba, ADAPT has evolved into a cornerstone of disability support, now serving over 3,000 children and 10,000 families annually across centres in Colaba, Bandra, Dharavi, and Chembur. Dr Alur articulated the vision behind the new facility, saying, "The setting up of the aquatic therapy pool was to bring accessibility and holistic rehabilitation, enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence, participation, and quality of life." She added that 54 years of experiential learning have shaped ADAPT's pedagogy, and the organisation is "at the cusp of becoming a university," having already discussed the proposal with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Expanding Reach and Impact
With 90% of its beneficiaries hailing from lower-income families, often with parents working as auto-rickshaw drivers, ADAPT's mission is deeply rooted in community empowerment. The organisation's rural outreach project, "Reaching the Unreached," is currently underway in Dahanu, Palghar district, aiming to extend support to underserved populations. Dr Alur expressed hope for future expansion, noting, "Our dream is affordable, accessible and safe rehabilitation for children with disabilities. This is the only pool we have for all our centres, and we hope to expand with donor support." Orbis's previous initiatives, including inclusive education for visually impaired children and rural school infrastructure development, further underscore its dedication to social welfare.
