Objective & Functions

OBJECTIVES

The National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata was established with the following key objectives:

Research and Development: To conduct, sponsor, coordinate, or subsidize research across all areas of education and rehabilitation for persons with locomotor disabilities, including those with neurological conditions affecting coordination or mobility.

Biomedical Engineering: To engage in, sponsor, or support research in biomedical engineering to develop effective assistive devices and innovative medical or surgical procedures that enhance the rehabilitation process for persons with locomotor disabilities.

Training and Capacity Building: To undertake and sponsor the training of professionals, including educators, rehabilitation specialists, employment officers, Psychologists, vocational counsellors, and other personnel as may be deemed necessary by the Institute for the promotion of education, training, and rehabilitation of persons with locomotor disabilities.

Aids and Assistive Devices Distribution: To promote, distribute, subsidize, or support the development, manufacturing, and distribution of assistive devices and aids that contribute to the education, rehabilitation, and therapy of individuals with locomotor disabilities.

FUNCTIONS

The National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD) operates through a comprehensive range of activities aimed at providing holistic support and services for persons with locomotor disabilities (Divyangjan). To ensure the effective implementation of its objectives functions are carried out by various specialized departments, units, Composite Regional Centers (CRCs), Regional Centers and Regional Chapters under its administrative control.

Human Resource Development:
NILD is committed to training professionals in the field of rehabilitation, including medical practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, prosthetists and orthotists, rehabilitation engineers, and socio-economic rehabilitation experts. The institute offers specialized courses to develop skilled personnel capable of providing high-quality rehabilitation services.

Rehabilitation Services:

The institute provides a wide range of medical, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services, including:

Medical Rehabilitation for diagnosis and treatment.
Physiotherapy for improving mobility and physical function.
Occupational Therapy for enhancing independence in daily activities.
Prosthetics and Orthotics for the provision of custom-made devices.
Rehabilitation Nursing for specialized care of persons with disabilities.
Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centre (EIC) for early detection and intervention in children with disabilities.

Research and Development:
NILD engages in research and development to advance knowledge in the field of locomotor disability rehabilitation.

Library, Documentation, and Dissemination of Information:
NILD maintains a well-equipped library that serves as a central hub for documentation and dissemination of information related to disability and rehabilitation.

Outreach and Extension Services:
Through its outreach unit, NILD extends rehabilitation services to underserved regions across the country.

Awareness:
NILD conducts programs and campaigns to raise awareness about locomotor disabilities, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the importance of early intervention, rehabilitation, and inclusion in society.

Socio-Economic Rehabilitation
The cell also works with industry and government bodies to generate employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Students’ Placement:
The Institute offers placement services through its Placement Cell, helping graduates of its training programs to secure employment in various rehabilitation and disability-related sectors.