Assistance for amputees

The sudden loss of the ability to walk, run or jump, or losing the capability to write, cook or work with tools must require two huge personal adjustments. The first would naturally be the adjustment to the physical loss — the inability to do what one previously took for granted as everyday activities — and the restrictions to ones mobility or dexterity. The second adjustment would be mental — accepting in one’s mind that one is now different, and developing the strength and will to carry on with one’s life with a minimum of disruption.

Prosthetics — artificial limbs — give an amputee the capability to walk, even to run, to work with their hands, and to operate machinery. From the first “wooden legs” of old pirate stories, prosthetics have been developed into highly sophisticated devices which can now provide amputees with opportunities previously denied them. However, sophisticated prosthetics can be very expensive, and beyond the reach of many, especially when their earning capabilities have been affected by the amputation.

We, like many countries, have lagged behind developments in the prosthetic fields, and too many of our citizens who have endured amputations are moving around in wheelchairs or on crutches. And this was unfortunate, for there really is no valid reason why Trinidad & Tobago should not have moved to fill this void in the lives of our amputee population long ago.

We are therefore very pleased to note the project announced by Minister of the People and Social Development Dr. Glen Ramadharsingh on Thursday, where the Government will be subsidising the cost of prosthetics to the affected population. The Prosthetic Assistance Programme described by the Minister is a needed, and a welcome initiative to bring amputees closer to the productive lives they once led. The initiative is to be administered by the “Rise Up/TT Card” Programme and will involve a one-off Grant to persons in need of a prosthetic. The Ministry of Health will play a role in the assessment of applicants for the grants.

This $12 million annual subsidy will see individuals getting between $40,000 and $100,000 each to assist them in acquiring and fitting the artificial limbs. We see this as money to be well spent on bringing people back into the world of activity and work. The programme will also give a huge psychological lift to all of the recipients, as they get the opportunity to retrieve much if not all of their former mobility and skills. This aspect is not easily measured, but we believe that it is certainly as important as the physical benefits which the recipients will enjoy.

We trust that the applicants will begin to benefit from this assistance immediately, and that their improved physical status will see many of them become more active, more productive, and certainly more appreciative of the lives they can now live.

When the Ministry of the People and Social Development was first announced in 2010, many wondered just what would its mandate be. Under the direction of Dr. Ramadharsingh the Ministry has become an effective institution which has found creative and meaningful avenues to fulfill its function. We wish the programme every success!

Note:

On Thursday, March 28, our editorial entitled “Acknowledging a Need” referred to a statement on the need for access ramps at the Hall of Justice to facilitate the disabled. The statement was attributed to Justice Carol Gobin. This was incorrect. The Judge in the matter was Justice Nolan Bereaux. The error is regretted.