As the new Millennium dawns there are thousands of Indian young people requiring orthopedic treatment. Most of them come from extremely poor and remote rural backgrounds. These youth, without help, have little chance of living a satisfying and productive life. Those who are rehabilitated, educated and given job training are often able to overcome their disability, earn their own living and live decent lives. Our two Rotary Clubs are hold medical screening camps, fund corrective surgeries, and provide prosthetics and mobility devices to afflicted youth in Chennai, India.

There are three main parts to Helping Hands.

The rehabilitation phase provides braces, artificial limbs, mobility aids such as wheelchairs, and surgeries to repair damaged or atrophied limbs.

Education is the next phase - handicapped children are often 'written off' and not educated at all. Our education funds are used for paying school fees, providing books and supplies, and giving special instruction where required.

The final phase is teaching vocational skills and helping the handicapped to get established in jobs or small businesses. This involves a micro-credit program run by the participants under the direction of the local Rotary Club.

Helping Hands is carried out or supervised by Rotarians. They conduct the screening camps, oversee the construction and fitting of prosthetics, and are involved in the education process.

The Costs:
The costs of providing artificial limbs, education and vocational support for the handicapped are much more reasonable than one would expect. For example, an orthotic shoe costs as little as $3.50, while an artificial limb costs about $30. Because the program is run by Rotarians the costs are kept to a minimum, with all funds being used to help the handicapped.

To date, this project has provided the following goods and services to the afflicted:

• 24 Hand Powered tricycles which enable those who cannot walk to get around.
• 14 Wheelchairs to increase mobility.
• 312 Calipers - leg braces for those whose legs need additional support.
• 20 Upper Limb Prostheses
• 11 Reconstructive surgeries to correct polio-caused problems.