| ABOUT THE PROJECT
Improving Access to Neurohabilitation in Mushin LGA
A community-based, multidisciplinary approach to occupational therapy and neurorehabilitation—grounded in evidence, aligned with global standards, and built for the people of Mushin.
| THE INITIATOR
Academic & clinical identity
NAME
Abiodun Matthew Lawanson
LOCATION
Lagos, Nigeria
EMAIL
lawansonabiodunmathew@yahoo.com
TITLE
Neurospecialist Occupational Therapist (MOT-Neuroscience);
HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist
PROJECT SITE
Mushin LGA, Lagos State
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
DipOT, BOT, PPOTD / PhD Candidate
Abiodun Mathew Lawanson is a Neuro Specialist Occupational Therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals living with stroke, acquired brain injury, and other neurological conditions across community and rehabilitation settings in the United Kingdom. Passionate about improving access to rehabilitation services, he is committed to helping individuals maximise independence, participation, and quality of life through evidence-based, person-centred care.
Currently pursuing a Post-Professional Doctorate and PhD in Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University, USA, Abiodun combines clinical expertise, research, leadership, and advocacy to drive meaningful change in rehabilitation services. His work focuses on community neurorehabilitation, occupational participation, caregiver empowerment, and improving access to rehabilitation in underserved communities.
As the founder and lead coordinator of the Mushin Neurorehabilitation Advocacy Initiative, he works with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness, provide rehabilitation services, and advocate for stronger rehabilitation systems in Nigeria.
“Every individual deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and meaningful participation, regardless of their neurological condition.”
| OUR SPONSORS
| WHY THIS PROJECT EXISTS
The clinical & community case
Neurological conditions―stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s disease, and MS―are among the leading causes of disability in Nigeria, yet rehabilitation services in community settings like Mushin LGA are sparse or completely absent. Patients discharged from the hospital return home without structured follow-up, without equipment, and without education for their caregivers.
The consequences are predictable: functional decline, preventable complications, caregiver burnout, and eventually hospital readmission. This initiative addresses that gap directly through a free, specialist, community-based rehabilitation model.
“Limited access to occupational therapy and neurorehabilitation services in community settings means patients face preventable disability. This project introduces a community-based, multidisciplinary model delivered by locally trained and internationally experienced specialists.”
| PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
Seven structured objectives
01
Comprehensive Neurorehabilitation Assessment & Individualised Intervention
Client-centred assessments covering ADLs, mobility, cognition, and communication, followed by individualised rehabilitation plans and home exercise programmes.
02
Improving Mobility, Safety & Functional Independence
Provision of walking aids, wheelchairs, and bathroom equipment alongside fall prevention training and practical home modification guidance.
03
Enhancing Physical Recovery & Self-Management
Group rehabilitation sessions targeting balance, strength, gait, and upper limb function with pain/fatigue education and energy conservation strategies.
04
Strengthening Caregiver Capacity
Caregiver training workshops covering safe transfers, positioning, pressure ulcer prevention, and fatigue management to improve the quality of care and reduce caregiver burden.
05
Improving Community Awareness & Health Literacy
Community education sessions on neurological conditions, occupational therapy, and disability—addressing misconceptions and promoting early rehabilitation engagement.
06
Providing Multidisciplinary Specialist Medical Support
Collaboration with neurologists and medical doctors, including specialist consultations and interventions such as botulinum toxin injections for spasticity
07
Generating Evidence for Advocacy & Service Development
Structured needs assessment identifying service gaps and barriers. Findings compiled into an advocacy report and policy brief for local government and stakeholders.
| THE IMPLEMENTATION
Three-phase delivery model
Phase 1: Planning & Preparation
4-8 weeks
Stakeholder engagement with government, clinicians, and community leaders
Secure venue at primary healthcare centre or community hall
Recruit multidisciplinary team (OTs, neurologists, medical doctors, volunteers)
Procure equipment and supplies
Community mobilisation and participant registration
Phase 2: 2-Day Clinic
Programme delivery
Day 1: Comprehensive assessments―ADLs, mobility, cognition, communication, medical consultations, equipment prescription
Day 2: Group rehabilitation sessions, caregiver training workshops, pain/fatigue management, fall prevention, community awareness session
Assistive device distribution throughout both days
Phase 3: Evaluation & Advocacy
2-4 weeks post-clinic
Data analysis―barriers, outcomes, service gaps
Development of advocacy report and policy brief
Stakeholder feedback session
Dissemination to government and partners
| GLOBAL STANDARDS
Aligned with International frameworks
🌎 WHO rehabilitation 2030
Strengthening within health systems and expanding community-level services
🏥 Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
Inclusive, accessible, locally delivered care principles
🏨 Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Improving access to essential rehabilitation without financial hardship
🎯 UN SDGs 1, 3 & 10
Inclusive, accessible, locally delivered care principles