Prosthetic Services & Training Programs

The Polus Center's rehabilitation programs offer P&O (prosthetic and orthotic) devices to civilian populations often caught in the crossfire of war, particularly those injured by landmines and improvised explosive devices. These services are free to those who cannot afford to pay and are ongoing throughout the life of the projects. This program is building national rehabilitation capacity by improving the skill levels of prosthetic technicians and working with local and national governments to train professionals in program design and implementation.

Universal Design

“Universal design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of the age size, ability or disability.”

— Disability Act, 2005

Prosthetic Services

Video URL
https://vimeo.com/250993977

From Conflict to Coffee

The Polus Center is working in partnership with the United States Government and other partners to build the Lake Kivu Coffee Alliance, a growing collective of coffee farmers in the DRC who have been injured and disabled by landmines

Kacie Weldy

Kacie Weldy works at the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), assisting deafblind consumers and their families with seeking employment and services. She studied animal science at Purdue University and then earned a Bachelors in Science in Organizational Leadership from Indiana University. Due to Usher's Syndrome, Kacie lives with both a visual and auditory impairment. As a mother of three, as well as a guide dog user, she believes that a deafblind person can do anything with the right accommodations.

Jay Rufo

Jay Rufo is the Regional MetroWest Director of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB). He received a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing in 2001 and a Masters of Business Administration in 2002. Jay passionately leads and oversees a dedicated staff of supervisors and caseworkers that deliver highest quality social and vocational rehabilitation services to all agency consumers residing in approximately fifty commonwealth municipalities.

Brianna Murray

Brianna Murray is a program coordinator with Project RISE in Virginia. She has been visually impaired since birth due to Leber's congenital amaurosis. Originally from South Carolina, she received her bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology, and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Brianna acknowledges the struggles she faced while looking for her first job after completing her education, and encourages young blind students to never give up on their goals.

Megan Dausch

Megan Dausch is the senior instructor of adaptive technology for the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) as well as a specialist ensuring its content meets international accessibility guidelines. She earned a Bachelor's in English from Manhattanville College and a Masters in Language and Literacy from the College of New York. In her spare time, she loves to write, cook, and spend time with her husband and guide dog.

Will Butler

Will Butler is the community vice president for the mobile app Be My Eyes. He attended UC Berkeley with a B.A. in American History. His previous work includes freelance journalism at NPR, East Bay Express, and The Atlantic. Between 2015 and 2019, he was the director of communications at the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco.

Subscribe to