MMMMGGGGRRRRCCCC NNNNEEEEWWWWSSSS Website: <www.mgrc.co.in> Email: <[email protected]> Ph.: +91– 471– 2378436 Mar Gregorios Rehabilitation Centre Moonnammoodu, Kodungannoor P.O. December 2020 Vattiyoorkavu, Trivandrum 695 013 Kerala. India International Day of Persons with Disabilities:2020 The International Day of Persons with Disabilities: 2020 was observed on 3rd December 2020. Prof (Dr) Philipose Joshua, Honorary Secretary participated in a webinar organized under the auspices of the Believers Church Medical College, Thiruvalla and interacted with the panelists. Ms. Dhanya Ravi, a Freelance Content Writer and Disability Evangelist from Bengaluru, spoke of her own life experiences and the challenges the persons with disabilities are facing in the society. Dr. Sooraj Rajagopal, associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabili- tation, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, spoke on the different categories of disabilities, and other technical aspects regarding persons with disabilities. Smt.Shamla Begam J, Senior Supdnt, District Social Justice Office, Pathanamthitta, elaborated on the various welfare schemes and opportunities for the persons with disabilities. Dr. Roshin Mary Varkey, asst. Professor, Dept. of PMR and Ms. Lynn Elizabeth Thomas, Tutor, Dept.of Biochemistry, both from the Believers Church Medical College, Thiruvalla, were the moderators. Inside this issue: International Day of ……. 1 From the Editor’s desk 2 International Day of ……. 3, 4, 5 CBR Programs 6, 7 8 Vision Statement For private, online circulation only. Designed, edited and published by: Prof. (Dr.) Philipose Joshua, Honorary Secretary, MGRC [email protected] Ph.: +91-9447429242 MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 2 From the Editor’s Desk December would have been a time of celebrations the world over. But it was not to be as the Covid-19 playing havoc everywhere as in the previous months since March 2020. There were restrictions in every front, in travel, in gatherings etc. Many businesses were shut down, people became jobless, many who still retained their jobs worked from home, children had to learn to attend virtual classes and examinations from home. Altogether it was a new experience to every one. The rehabilitation work at MGRC too was affected to a great extent as the cash flow in the form of donation had dwindled, community workers were restricted from travelling to the homes of the clients, there were restrictions in the number of patients who could be taken to the hospitals in our vehicles. However, we tried our best to continue supply of the life saving medicines to all our clients regularly. Supply of the food kits to the selected cli- ents were also continued without interruption. When we take stock of the work at the end of the year, we can only thank the Lord for His unfailing mercy by which He has carried us through. God be praised! Office-bearers and members of the Executive Committee for 2020-21 Members: President : H.G. (Dr) Zacharias Mar Aprem Rev.Fr.Geevarghese Mr. Baby Kurien Vice Presidents : Rev.Fr. Jeeson P.Wilson (Ex.Officio) Mekkattu Prof. Joseph K.Alexander Prof. D. Mathews Mr.K.V.Thomas Mr.Thomas K Varughese Hon.Secretary : Prof. (Dr) Philipose Joshua Mr.K.T.Koshy Mr.C.M.Geevarghese Hon.Jt.Secretary: Dr. Mariamma Daniel Hon.Treasurer : Mr. P.T. Baby John Mr.D.Varghese Mr. Alexander Eapen Hon.Jt.Treasurer: Mr. Mathew Mammen Mr.K.U.Mathews Mr. C.T. Rajan Hon.Director : Mr. K.John Hon.Jt.Directors : Mr. George T.Punnose Mr. K.J.Punnathara Mr. T.T.M.Tharakan Mr. George Jacob MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities:2020 MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 4 International Day of Persons with Disabilities:2020 MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 5 International Day of Persons with Disabilities:2020 MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 6 Community Based Rehabilitation Programs Total Clients Cared for during November 2020 1 Visually Impaired 5 2 Orthopaedically Handicapped 158 3 Hearing Impaired 7 4 Mentally Challenged 13 Total 183 Details of Aids and Equipment Distributed During November 2020 1 Quadripoid 1 2 Elbow Crutches 2 3 Emergency Lamp 1 Total 4 Economic Rehabilitation Existing Self Employment Projects 1 Orthopaedically Handicapped 348 2 Visually Impaired 16 3 Hearing Impaired 19 4 Mentally Challenged 29 Total 412 MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 7 CBR Program Paper Craft Unit In the paper craft unit functioning at the Centre, there is a cutting machine and a letter press. Certain business firms give us order for supplying envelopes of required di- mensions with their addresses printed on them. We buy rolls of paper directly from the mill, cut them into various required sizes suitable for the envelopes, and take them to our differently abled clients. They apply gum on them and make the envelopes and we collect them back and after printing the addresses, deliver them to firms. The income thus gener- ated is then transferred to the clients who made them. This not only helps them to make part of their livelihood, but also serves as an occupational therapy. Details of work in the paper craft unit during November 2020 1 Production of envelopes 30,750 2 New order for envelopes 38,000 3 Sale of envelopes 35,300 Number of clients engaged in envelope 4 2 making MGRC NEWS DECEMBER 2020 Page 8 Vision Statement  MGRC is a non-profit making society registered un- der the Travancore-Cochin Scientific, Literary and Charitable Societies Registration Act (Reg. No. Our Patron Saint 235/83) Mar Gregorios  MGRC tries to bring succor to persons with various types of disabilities such as visually impaired, ortho- of pedically handicapped, hearing impaired and mentally Parumala retarded  Area of operation consists of six village panchayats around Trivandrum city.  Medical, economic and social rehabilitation service is provided to all deserving persons with disabilities in the area irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. Our President  This is a community based rehabilitation work and H.G. Dr. Zacharias therefore the beneficiaries live and work in their own Mar Aprem homes.  Beneficiaries are chosen irrespective of cast, creed, or religion. Services rendered  Counseling How could you help this ministry?  Transporting them to hospitals  Giving medicines & provisions  By upholding this ministry in your prayers.  Arranging surgery, physiotherapy etc.  Providing equipment such as artificial limbs,  By your physical involvement. calipers, braces, crutches, hearing aids, spectacles etc.  By providing financial support.  Providing finance to start self-employment schemes like tea shop, vegetable shop, petty shop, tailoring shop, goat rearing etc. &  By telling others about this min- istry.  Providing educational assistance to disabled and poor students.