Physical Health Poland Project #47356

Rehabilitation center for 60 disabled in Poland

by Fundacja im. Doktora Piotra Janaszka PODAJ DALEJ/ Doctor Piotr Janaszek PAY IT FORWARD Foundation

Rehabilitation center for 60 disabled in Poland

Project Report | Sep 29, 2026
Breaking barriers, gaining independence.

By Filip Sobieszek | Project Leader

PAY IT FORWARD - overcoming barriers

Dear Supporters,

thanks to your generosity, people with physical disabilities who take part in our rehabilitation and independence training are gaining something truly important: greater confidence, practical skills, and more independence in everyday life.

Your support makes it possible for our participants to practice not only in the safe environment of our Rehabilitation Center, but also in real-life situations. Because living independently means much more than learning how to move around indoors. It also means being able to leave home, get around the neighborhood, visit public places, meet other people and handle everyday challenges with greater confidence.

Recently, our participants have been training outdoors, learning how to overcome some of the barriers they may encounter every day.

They practiced wheelchair balance and navigation, including how to safely manage high curbs, steep ramps and uneven surfaces. These skills can make a real difference when someone wants to move around the city independently, without having to rely on another person at every obstacle.

Some participants also practiced navigating stairs with the use of handrails. For those who are physically able to learn this technique, it can open up access to places where there is no elevator or accessible entrance. At the same time, the training helps build strength, coordination and confidence.

These may look like small steps, but for our participants they can mean much more: being able to go somewhere on their own, make their own choices and depend less on the help of others.

And this is where your support matters so much.

Thanks to you, our participants have the opportunity to practice, learn, try again and discover what they are capable of. Every curb overcome and every new skill mastered brings them one step closer to a more independent life.

Thank you for making this possible and for standing alongside people with disabilities as they work towards greater independence.

With gratitude,
The PAY IT FORWARD Team

PAY IT FORWARD - overcoming barriers

Links:

Wheelchair Skills in Action

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Jun 10, 2026
Rehabilitation with Interactive Sensor Technology

By Filip Sobieszek | Project Leader

PAY IT FORWARD - Interactive Sensor Technology

At the PAY IT FORWARD Foundation's Rehabilitation Centre, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to make rehabilitation more engaging, effective, and dynamic. We are excited to introduce an interactive, light-based reflex training system to our daily sessions.

How Does the Training System Work?

The technology shown in the photo consists of a set of wireless, touch-sensitive sensors controlled via a mobile application. During a session, these "light pods" are placed on a table or floor and illuminate in specific colors or sequences. The participant's task is to react to the visual cues and deactivate the lights by touching or tapping them as quickly as possible.

Benefits in the Rehabilitation Process

This interactive system is an incredible tool for neurological and physical therapy. In our center, it serves several vital functions:

Improving Neuro-Muscular Coordination: For patients with spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions, the system helps strengthen the connection between the brain and muscles. It forces the body to process a visual stimulus and execute a precise physical response.
Enhancing Cognitive Focus: The training improves concentration, spatial awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions under time pressure.
Increasing Functional Range of Motion: By strategically placing the sensors at different distances and heights, therapists encourage patients to stretch, lean, and reach, which improves their overall mobility in a natural, fluid way.
Gamification and Motivation: Traditional rehabilitation can be repetitive. This system turns hard work into an interactive challenge. Participants receive instant feedback on their progress, which keeps them highly motivated to improve their results.

The Impact on Our Participants

As seen in the photos, the level of focus and engagement is remarkable. This technology doesn't just train the body, it builds confidence. Whether a participant is working on upper-body speed from a wheelchair or practicing balance, these interactive exercises make the path to independence more effective and rewarding.

Thank You

This progress is possible thanks to your support! By providing us with the funds to operate our Rehabilitation Center using such versatile tools, you are giving people with disabilities a real chance to regain their physical fitness and independence.

Thank you for your support to the PAY IT FORWARD Foundation! Thanks to our Donors, we provide all assistance free of charge.

PAY IT FORWARD - Interactive Sensor Technology

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Feb 16, 2026
Innovative Steps Toward Independence

By Filip Sobieszek | Project Leader

PAY IT FORWARD - innovative steps

At PAY IT FORWARD Foundation, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity to push boundaries. Recently, our team had the exciting opportunity to test state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment, bringing us one step closer to our dream of providing the best possible care for people with disabilities.

We love challenges! At our Rehabilitation Center, daily work is fueled by enthusiasm, smiles, and deep commitment. Recently, we have turned into a testing ground for innovation. We had the pleasure of hosting Piotr from a big company that produces specialized rehabilitation equipment for people with spinal cord injuries, who introduced us to advanced robotic-assisted gait training technology.

The Power of Innovation: How it Helps

The tested devices are powerful tools in neurological rehabilitation. Unlike traditional methods, this equipment allows for:

Assisted Movement: It enables people with significant muscle weakness or paralysis to experience upright, repetitive, and guided walking movements.
Weight-Bearing Benefits: For those with spinal cord injuries, standing and moving in an upright position is crucial for bone density, improving circulation, and supporting gastrointestinal functions.
Neuroplasticity: The intensive, repetitive gait cycle helps "remind" the nervous system of walking patterns, which is vital for patients regaining function after trauma.
Muscle Spasticity Reduction: Regular movement in such devices helps in stretching muscles and reducing painful contractions.

For our charges with spinal cord injuries, this isn't just a machine; it’s a chance to see the world from a vertical perspective and give their bodies the movement they crave but cannot achieve independently. Seeing the smiles during these tests has officially landed this equipment on our "wish list."

A Huge Thank You:

We want to express our sincere gratitude to our donors on GlobalGiving. Your support allows us to maintain a space where we can dream big and constantly look for new ways to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Poland. Thanks to our Donors and grants, all our help and support are provided free of charge.

Together, we are making "the impossible" happen, one step at a time.

PAY IT FORWARD - innovative steps

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