These physiotherapists have set their sights high

‘‘It has been a difficult journey. I passed out of the physiotherapy school run by Blind People’s Association in Vastrapur. As we are visually impaired, we are expected to prove that we are as capable as a sighted person before we are handed over a case,’’ says Prajapati.

Things have, however, changed over the years, he admits. ‘‘Initially, most of us faced such hitches. However, things have changed now. Today, I practise on my own and visit as many as seven patients a day,’’ says Prajapati, who also volunteered to help earthquake victims in Bhuj for six months.

Unlike Prajapati, Mukesh Patel lost his sight in 1993 after he completed his MSc in organic chemistry. Leaving behind his business in Ankleshwar, he shifted to Ahmedabad and took up a two-year physiotherapy course at BPA.

After passing out in 1996, he joined the school as a practical instructor and also continued with his private practice. He is so busy that he cannot think of opening his private clinic. Dilip Shah, who is practising since 1991, has his own private clinic at Memnagar, which he runs part-time. ‘‘Over the year, not only has awareness about physiotherapy increased, but people have also gained confidence in our ability,’’ says Shah.

Dr S K Panchal, Physio Occupational Therapist and in-charge at the school, says all 220 students — blind and partially blind — are employed. ‘All of them are doing quite well,’’ he affirms.