Jerid Stevenot |
Working
at ASSA was a great experience. It challenged the students and I to
work in a culturally reflexive way. It also challenged me to broaden my
occupational therapy skill base. ASSA is a resource rich rehabilitation
centre. With the use of my creativity and ASSA’s ingenuity a lot is
possible.
I would love to come back and continue my relationship with ASSA!
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Dawn Chishlom |
ASSA
is a wonderful place to volunteer. The clients and staff welcome
you from the first moment you arrive and you instantly feel part of
their community. The clients are so positive and hard working;
they are truly inspiring. The learning opportunities are tremendous for
both preceptors and students. I highly recommend this experience
to others, and I plan to return again in the future. |
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Ana Topalovic |
My
experience volunteering as an OT at ASSA has been wonderful and truly
memorable. From the moment I arrived, and every step along the way, the
staff were very helpful and always going out of their way to ensure that
I and the other volunteers were completely comfortable and maximally
taken care of. Ram, the head physiotherapist, worked efficiently and
tirelessly to create a smooth transition of working at ASSA, as well as
planning weekend trips for our group to sightsee and explore more of
South India. Additionally, the guesthouse is a great space for
therapists and students to reside in, as it has both the essentials as
well as luxuries such as AC and wifi. And finally, when reviewing my
time at ASSA, I must also mention the home cooked meals in the canteen.
Every meal was absolutely delicious, and the kitchen staff always
ensures you never leave hungry! Overall, it has been an honor taking
part in the daily functions of such an impressive and extensive
facility, an experience I would recommend to any OT, PT or student.
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Caitlyn Debruyne |
Thank
you for a wonderful placement here at ASSA. The staff here are had
workers and very enthusiastic and the rehab services wonderfully
organized. I was sick and as a result struggled with the food. But meals
makes great meals that are very fresh. |
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Michelle Hurley |
Working
at ASSA was absolutely incredible. When I arrived I was welcomed with
open arms and immediately felt at home. ASSA is very concerned with our
safety and did a wonderful job at making sure we felt safe and
comfortable.The facility itself was a lot bigger than I ever imagined
and everything runs so well. The clients all have nothing but good
things to say about the facility.
As
an occupational therapist at ASSA all of my clients were extremely
motivated and eager to participate. Teachers, staff interpreters were
always available and eager to assist.
I
think ASSA is an amazing organization and is very unique to India. This
has been an amazing experience and one that I will never forget.
Hopefully one day I can return for another volunteer opportunity.
My only regret is that I was not able to stay for a longer period of time due to previous commitments!
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Leslie Birkett , OT – 2016 |
Volunteering
at Sangam was an opportunity for which I am grateful. I was able to
work with many children and with a few of the adults on the spinal cord
unit. I also participated in some of the outreach conducted by the staff
at Sangam to the multiple villages in the region. Those experiences
were what made my time at Sangam so special. It was humbling to work
with these patients and experience first-hand their determination and
positivity. In addition to the patients, the staff were wonderful
colleagues. Volunteering at Sangam allowed me to dig into my creativity
and head back to the foundation of my OT knowledge. This strengthened my
core belief in the value of occupational therapy as an important
rehabilitative practice. I was extremely fortunate to have my family
join me for my last week at Sangam, so that they could share in my
experiences. My husband built some much needed equipment and my 13 year
old son assisted throughout campus and loved his opportunity to interact
with the children. I only hope Sangam got as much from us as we did
from them! |
Janine Stang , OT – 2015 |
I
was so inspired by my time at Amar Seva Sangam. ASSA supports the
client’s physical and mental wellbeing while providing them with the
resources and opportunities they require to be valued members of
society. The atmosphere on the campus is one of community and
togetherness that I am honored to have been a part of for a brief time. I
feel that my time at Amar Seva Sangam made me a stronger occupational
therapist as it took me back to the core of the profession and
encouraged me to think outside the box while reinforcing best practice,
no matter where in the world you are practicing. I loved getting to know
all of my clients and their families in the spinal cord injury program.
Their determination and positivity were infectious so it was amazing to
see that Amar Seva Sangam supported these client’s in every way
possible. |
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Jamie , OT – 2015 |
My
time at ASSA has truly reminded me why I became an OT. Working on the
spinal cord unit specifically has pushed me to step outside my comfort
zone and exhaust every possibility to help clients reach independence
with goals that are important to them. My time here has taught me the
importance of body language and how a simple smile can go a long way.
Although I’ve been frustrated at times due to a severe language barrier,
I quickly discovered that here at ASSA and in India as a whole, the
most important messages can be said without a single word, as India is a
culture of the heart! I’ve been moved to tears numerous times at the
sense of ownership both staff and clients take in helping one another.
There is also a sense of camaraderie here between clients that is
touching to witness and be a part of. These young and older men have
experienced a traumatic event that has forever altered the course of
their lives, however instead of wallowing they are trying to not only
work on their own personal recovery, but cheering each other along by
celebrating the small successes! To them every gain is worth
acknowledging. Even more, when seeing their friends struggle due to a
physical limitation, they are always there to help in any way they can
can despite their shortcomings. On the unit, one man’s strengths can
compensate for another man’s weaknesses and make all the difference!
I’ve worked in many countries with access to all the necessary resources
to promote a speedy recovery, but it is in India where not everything
is readily available that I’ve learned the most valuable techniques and
lessons as an OT. Thank you ASSA for reminding me of the importance of
love, tolerance and perseverance. Thank you to all the staff and clients
who welcomed me with open hearts. I’m already already missing you and
looking forward to my next visit! |