Bangladesh (Feb 2001)  |  Bangladesh (Apr 2001)  |  Bangladesh (CRP)

Learning APT in Bangladesh

In February 2001 four organisations, Save the Children, Sweden, Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Centre for Disability and Development (CDD) and InterLife-Bangladesh, arranged for the APT training workshop to be held in Bangladesh.

The aims were for key workers from the organisations and other invited organisations, to learn the techniques of APT. This would mean they could use this cheap and therefore sustainable process in their work with low-income or otherwise disadvantaged people. Therefore attached to the aim of transmitting the skills of APT techniques, was the aim of giving the opportunity to practice designing. The participants were looking for abilities in children with different learning barriers (including poverty) and finding practical methods for removing barriers in the learning situation, using APT (learning stimuli/toys or equipment).

There were 20 participants including the Assistant Trainer, Lipy from CDD and the translator, Saibal, from InterLife

Participants - some sitting on APT tables

APT items made and taken to organisations after Workshop

The participants worked in different groups. Groups made different made items that they could use in their work.

Some people concentrated on educational and interesting toys. These were tested with children who visited on different days and adapted and decorated.

Showing children the APT items

Children and the triangle puzzle toy

Some participants wanted to use APT to make assistive devices for disabled children. For example Ms. Faisun Nessa and Mr. Salauddin Sharif from InterLife-CBR were working with others on a bucket-seat chair and tray for use with cerebral palsy child.

First steps.

A bucket has been cut for a curved back and is being attached to base.

A foot rest can be seen.

The seat is checked with the child before finishing