Sri Vijaya Puram, May 7: Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, through its Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Vayoshri Kendra (PMD-VK) operated under Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), has announced that a comprehensive range of assistive aids and appliances is now readily available for eligible beneficiaries under the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme and the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY).
The initiative has been launched with the objective of improving the quality of life of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by promoting mobility, accessibility, communication, education and independent living.
According to officials of the CRC, the PMD-VK Centre located at Brookshabad is presently stocked with a wide range of rehabilitation and assistive devices designed to support individuals with physical, hearing and visual impairments, as well as elderly citizens facing age-related mobility and health challenges.
The Centre is currently providing several categories of mobility support devices, including folding wheelchairs, commode wheelchairs and Saathi model wheelchairs. Foldable walkers and rollators equipped with brakes are also available to help elderly individuals and persons with mobility limitations move independently and safely.
In addition, beneficiaries can avail walking sticks, adjustable canes, tripod and tetrapod supports, and crutches of both elbow and axilla types. These aids are aimed at improving balance, support and mobility for individuals recovering from injuries or living with disabilities.
The CRC has also made available orthopaedic and rehabilitation support devices such as cervical collars, spinal supports, lumbar belts, knee braces, silicon foam cushions and commode chairs. Officials said these devices are intended to provide relief and rehabilitation support to persons suffering from spinal problems, joint conditions and mobility-related difficulties.
For individuals with hearing impairments, the Centre is offering digital and programmable Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids under the government welfare schemes. Visually impaired beneficiaries can access Sugamya canes, Braille slates, Braille kits and specially designed visually impaired kits to support daily activities and learning requirements.
As part of its focus on inclusive education, the Centre is also distributing educational Teaching Learning Material (TLM) kits for children from early intervention stage up to secondary level. Smartphones equipped with screen reader facilities are being provided to students with 100 per cent blindness to support digital accessibility and educational inclusion.
Officials of CRC stated that the initiative reflects the Centre’s continued commitment towards building an inclusive and accessible society where persons with disabilities and senior citizens are empowered with the necessary support systems for independent and dignified living.
The Centre has urged all eligible beneficiaries across the Islands to visit the PMD-VK Centre at Brookshabad with the necessary documents to avail the aids and appliances under the respective government schemes.
Under the ADIP Scheme, applicants must have a minimum disability of 40 per cent and possess a valid UDID Card or enrolment number along with a disability certificate and Aadhaar Card. The monthly income of the beneficiary should not exceed Rs. 22,500.
For the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), beneficiaries must be Indian citizens aged 60 years and above with a monthly income not exceeding Rs. 15,000. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for availing benefits under the scheme.
CRC officials have requested eligible beneficiaries to visit the Centre from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and make full use of the facilities and support systems being provided under the welfare schemes at the earliest.
