Insightful Learnings from MGM Institute of Physiotherapy Ability Awards

Objective of the practice :

1. To recognize differently-abled people who are overcoming challenges.

2. To celebrate the achievements of these heroes in our community and inspire our students with their resilient spirit.

3. To offer students extra learning opportunities through the experiences of remarkable individuals.

The Context :

Physiotherapy profession deals with disabled individuals by offering them rehabilitation to ensure those individuals achieve functional independence. Most of the physiotherapy treatment limit themselves to therapy and never look beyond the careers and success of disabled individuals. MGMIOP Ability Award was constituted with the background context of recognizing the abilities of disabled individuals. Most importantly, students who hear the stories of these special people can share them with their patients to uplift their morale and boost the confidence.

The Practice :

MGM IOP Ability Award is an annual event organized by the institute. The award committee accepts nominations for the same. The nominations are carefully curated for the merits, influences and impact of the nominees in the community. The event will be organized in MGM campus. The MGMIOP Ability Award trophy resembles a spark of fire portraying the indomitable spirit of the award recipients, an official award citation & a KHADI shawl. A cash reward of Rs.20,000/- is included for the award recipients. The students attentively listen to the award recipient's inspiring life story, captivated by the challenges they faced due to their medical condition and their confident mindset in overcoming the disability.
This practice is first-of-its-kind among any physiotherapy colleges in Maharashtra, aiming to bring inspiring people to students to drive a change in their mindset.

Award Recipients :

2020 - Mr.Jahed Riyaj Shah, Regional editor, Punya Nagari news media, Aurangabad (Orthopedically handicapped due to polio) and Mr.Nikesh Madare, Teacher, Government School, Jalna (First 100% visually impaired Ph.D scholar in Marathawada region).

2021 - Smt.Kiran Kanojia, India’s first women blade runner & para- athlete.

2022 - Mr.Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, Wheelchair warrior of India. (90% locomotor impaired due to Osteogenesis Imperfecta).

2023 - Shri.Sankara Raman Srinivasan, Indian Disability Activist and Secretary – Amar Seva Sangam, Tenkasi – Tamilnadu (Muscular dystrophy).

Evidence of Success :

The students and participants gave excellent feedbacks regarding the practice; mentioning the event was inspiring and deeply impactful, providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the special individuals. Many expressed that the event highlighted the importance of inclusion and the capabilities of those with disabilities. The speeches and stories shared by the award recipients were particularly moving and left a lasting impression on the attendees. The award recipients also thanked MGMIOP profusely for organizing this kind of events in an educational institution. Ability Award event was a significant success, leaving a profound impact on students and attendees.

Problems encountered and Resources required :

Problems encountered :

1. Selecting the award recipient from the short-listed candidates by award committee, as each of the short-listed nominations possessed similar credibility and accomplishments.

2. Finding suitable hotel accommodation in the city for motorized wheel-chair bound award recipient with minimal-architectural barrier.

Resources required :

1. Award sponsorship for this event from a corporate sector, so that the event can be organized in a bigger scale.