To generate awareness about the crucial contribution of physiotherapists and their efforts in enabling people to be mobile and independent, Jinnah Sindh Medical University’s Department of Continuing Medical Education (CME), in collaboration with the Institute of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (IPTR-JSMU) marked the World Disability Day on Wednesday.
The session observed and acknowledged the work of physical therapists in promoting the representation of invisible disabilities and raised concerns about the superficial criteria in Pakistan to counter disabilities.
Acting Vice Chancellor JSMU Professor Shahid Rasul stressed the importance of this session and said that the disabled are often displaced in the community and it was important to recognize invisible disabilities to create inclusive solutions. The session was attended by Registrar Dr Azam Khan and Director IPTR-JSMU Dr Muhammad Khan .
Dr Rahat Naz, Director CME thanked the guest speakers for their presence and stressed the need to enhance the participation of physical therapists in combating disabilities.
Sharing the data from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Teaching Assistant JSMU Dr Kinza Ashfaq said that ‘Fatigue, dizziness and mental illnesses are parts of invisible disabilities and can damage the functionality of people; physical therapists can raise awareness about people suffering from invisible disabilities.’
Dr Rabail Soomro elaborated the clinical reasoning of physical impairments and functional limitations of people.
The guest speakers for the session included Principal and Assistant Professor at Institute of Physical Therapy South City Hospital Dr Kanwal Khan, talking about some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding disabilities, whereas, Lecturer IPTR-JSMU Dr Nida Waheed highlighted the challenges and discrimination faced by disabled people. World Disability day is observed every year on December 3.
