Devoted to the Details.

Thanks to you, reaching the greatest number of children with the highest quality of care.

We’re the best in the business, not just because we’re one of the only nonprofits dedicated to providing mobility treatments to children in low and middle income countries, but because we’re supplying customized solutions that are designed to empower and uplift each unique CoolKid. 

We manufacture and procure the highest quality products and raw materials to ensure each child receives the specialized care they need to gain or regain their physical, social, and economic mobility - because mobility is so much more than movement. 

22,828

CoolKids Served

12 / 11

Programs / Countries

Our mobility solutions.

 
 

The Joshi.

Our Joshi is a high-quality, universal modular prosthetic lower limb system made from durable upcycled materials, strong enough to navigate rugged terrains, but light enough for children of all ages to move independently. Designed specifically for use in low and middle income countries, with our CoolKids in mind.

Named in honor of our pioneer prosthetist, Dhiren Joshi, the Joshi Modular Prosthetic Limb Kit  is an affordable and sustainable prosthetic solution that increases the accessibility, quality and modernization of prosthetic limbs in low and middle income countries. With its sleek design, high-quality components, and modular functionality, the Joshi is a mobility aid our CoolKids are proud to rock --  improving self-esteem, combating social stigma, and giving them  the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

 
 

Orthotic braces.

We provide high-quality clubfoot braces and orthopedic-grade polypropylene sheets, which are used to create customized orthotic braces and lower limb prosthetic sockets that are as unique as every CoolKid.

We use polypropylene because of its longevity, affordability, recyclability, and compatibility with many different climates and technologies. By equipping our programs with choice - including polypropylene that comes in a variety of skin-tones, sizes, and thicknesses, we ensure customization for every child’s prosthetic and orthotic needs. The right fit improves aesthetic, comfort, confidence, and quality of life for CoolKids.

 
 

Wheelchairs.

Customized for each individual and their unique needs, our wheelchairs are high-quality and adhere to international standards and certifications. Plus, they’re individually selected for the terrains and climate our children navigate, from the sandy grounds of Somaliland to the humid conditions of Indonesia and the rocky terrains of Nepal. 

We work with our programs to pre-order appropriately fitted wheelchairs from our partnership with CLASP, a USAID funded program. For children who spend a minimum of 10-12 hours per day in their chair, an appropriately fitting wheelchair is essential to avoiding secondary health complications, such as muscular rigidity and pressure sores, and the pain and discomfort that is caused by ill-fitted chairs. Our chairs support the upper body when required, help our CoolKids breathe and eat easier, maneuver smoothly around often rugged terrains, and improve quality of life.

 
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Invested in local sustainability.

Partnering with the most qualified providers of orthopedic care in emerging countries.

Our programs are carefully vetted and chosen based on their ability to work collaboratively with us to provide the highest quality care possible to children in need, and their capacity to reach the most vulnerable children.

Often the only qualified provider of orthopedic care in the area, each of our program staffs local prosthetic and orthotic professionals and wheelchair specialists who are best positioned to understand the patient population and culture in which they work. To promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities (“PWD’s) in the workforce, all of our programs must employ PWDs. Their dedication to quality treatment and to reaching children in the most underserved areas ensures sustainable and continuous treatment to our CoolKids.

 

Kabul Orthopedic Organization
Kabul, Afghanistan

Impact Foundation Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Exceed Worldwide
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

GetBak
Ahmedabad, India

Puspadi Bali
Denpasar, Indonesia

Yakkum Rehabilitation Centre
Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise
Vientiane, Laos

Hope Disability Centre
Gulmi, Nepal

Pakistan Society for Rehabilitation of Differently Abled
Lahore, Pakistan

Motivation Romania
Bragadiru, Romania

Diversity Action Network
Hargeisa, Somaliland

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda Hospital
Kisubi, Uganda

 

 Committed to transparency.

Making it easy to see the difference you make.

From requiring detailed reports for every CoolKid treated, to close relationships with our programs in the field, we’re committed to transparency and ensuring every child receives the high quality of care they deserve, while also educating our donors and advocates on the difference they make.

 

In the office.

Our comprehensive electronic reporting platform provides valuable insight into patient data, devices provided, requisite follow-up, and inventory management of our products; reports are required for every patient treated under our programs. 

 

In the field.

We conduct annual site visits to our programs to ensure proper management and efficacy, and to confirm the highest quality care available is being provided on a continual basis. While our ability to travel during the pandemic has been temporarily stalled, we have implemented new processes which we are happy to note will continue to be used even after travel can resume,  including quarterly video-meetings with partners.

 

On The Community.

You can stay up to date with your impact by following our blog, The Community, where we post a new CoolKid story every single month. 

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Stories from the field.

Our commitment to continual care and high-quality treatment have given us unique insight and perspective into the lives of the children who are forever changed by your support.

Written by our Director of Programs, A.J., who has been serving our CoolKids since 2009. 

 
 

 How to apply.

To expedite the vetting process, orthopedic service providers interested in becoming an ALTSO Program Partner, must meet the following requirements.

  • The Organization agrees to have the capacity to financially support its own overhead expenses and staff salaries.

  • The Organization agrees to have the finances and human resources to manage import duties, fees and taxes, customs procedures and logistics, and or tax exemption processes on imported goods efficiently and effectively.

  • The Organization must be a legally registered entity in its country of operations and should have formal documentation attesting to this (i.e., registration number, registration document, and/or agreement with government allowing the clinical orthopedic service provider to operate locally).

  • The Organization must be authorized to receive product support from the United States of America, the European Union, the Republic of India, and the People's Republic of China.

  • The Organization agrees to not discriminate against children on any basis, including but not limited to race, religion, culture or creed. The program must complement ALTSO’s objective of providing free orthopedic care to children with limb disabilities (newborn to 21 years of age) in emerging countries.

  • The Organization agrees to not charge for medical consultations, evaluations, treatments, devices or any other services provided to patients via ALTSO's support.

  • The Organization agrees that any product support provided by ALTSO is strictly prohibited to be sold or resold for profit.

  • The Organization agrees to not provide orthopedic related services to patients outside its owned and operated clinics.

  • The Organization must own and operate an in-house prosthetic, orthotic, or wheelchair workshop.

  • The Organization must staff certified prosthetists and orthotists (CPO’s), certified prosthetic & orthotic technicians, certified physiotherapists, and certified wheelchair provision specialists.

  • The Organization must staff personnel that are trained and experienced in the provision of manual wheelchairs in less-resourced settings.

  • The Organization must not discriminate against its employees or job applicants on any basis, including disability, to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

  • The Organization agrees to keep and maintain detailed, accurate and up-to-date patient health records and photo documentation using ALTSO's online reporting system for all patients treated under ALTSO's program. At minimum, the Organization must update patient data on a monthly basis.

  • The Organization agrees to have the capabilities to provide adequate and routine follow-up care to ensure that continuum care is provided to each patient as he/she grows.

  • The Organization agrees that the Organization will work with ALTSO for the purpose of assisting children and adolescents with limb disabilities from birth up to 21 years of age, regardless of other work carried out by the Organization.

For more information on how to become one of our program partners, please fill out the below form.

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