On the 25th and 26th of April, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) facilitated a training course as part of the “Together We Can” project (VM075), titled “Health Care and Rehabilitation Exercises for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Their Caregivers, and Community-Based Collaborators”. 

Guided by a physical therapist, the 40 participants explored two main areas: rehabilitation exercises aimed at strengthening muscles and improving posture, and assistive tools that enhance independence in daily life, such as aids for showering, cutting vegetables, writing, and reading. 

What made this training particularly impactful was its practical focus. All participants could try the exercises and receive immediate feedback from the physical therapist. Not only did PWDs take part, but their caregivers and community collaborators also learned how to support them more effectively, with guidance tailored to everyone’s needs and disabilities, whether a mobility disability, speech impairment, or cognitive issue. Mutual learning was encouraged, and some PWDs demonstrated their techniques for tasks like personal hygiene or dressing, offering valuable insights into how they navigate daily challenges and overcome them.

One of the caregivers shared:  

“I enjoy how everyone is very actively engaged and how the advice from the therapist is practical and applicable. The training is useful for everyone: PwDs, caregivers, and collaborators. Knowing rehabilitation exercises is important for everyone.” 

Equally important was the social dimension of the training. The opportunity to talk, share, and laugh together helped boost confidence and ease feelings of shyness or awkwardness. It was heartening to witness the humour participants brought to many of the exercises, and how these shared moments helped build connection and community. Two men with disabilities, for whom this was their first training, shared their experience:  

“At first, we felt very shy when we arrived at the training, but after talking to others and experiencing the positive energy of the group, we began to open up”.  

They even enjoyed the training so much that they would want to continue getting engaged in the future:  

“We are very enthusiastic to share our knowledge with others. And we want to join future trainings!” 

The training was organized within the project “Together We Can”, funded by Caritas Australia and DFAT through the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).