The President ISPO and the Chairs of the Local Organising, Scientific Programme will officially open the I.S.P.O. 20th World Congress. Welcome remarks will be immediately followed by the Knud Jansen and IC2A Inspirational Lectures.
Knud Jansen Lecture by Ritu Ghosh
Overcoming challenges to transform lives: innovation in Prosthetics, Orthotics, wheelchairs and beyond
A few decades ago, Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) were largely unknown as a career choice in the developing world. Often viewed as a charitable platform, particularly in developing countries, the remarkable field faced challenges to reach the level of recognition it enjoys today.
When I embarked on my career as a P&O student 33 years ago in India, I quickly realised that the field was far different from my assumptions. Disability was primarily symbolized by a wheelchair or crutches, and services were largely charity-driven. I, an Indian woman, chose to become a professional, navigating not only a new subject, but also confronting sexism in a predominantly male-dominated field.
My career began with Mobility India, where I noticed the significant need for trained professionals. There was also a pressing demand for cost-effective solutions, improved last-mile connectivity, better infrastructure, stronger collaborations among various stakeholders including ISPO, and increased awareness among the general public, community and family engagement. And more trained women P&Os were required.
In my lecture, I will talk about innovative solutions and strategies that integrate real-world rehabilitation and assistive technology that have impacted individuals, families and communities significantly.
The frontiers of technology are expanding daily to benefit individuals needing services. We must focus on leveraging these advancements to build services and strong networks. This will provide better support to both communities and the workforce with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and humanity. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to the ecosystem to enable access and inclusion for all.
IC2A Inspirational Lecture by Christoffer Lindhe
Challenging limits, creating opportunities
At the ISPO World Congress 2025, I will share a journey that defied the odds – from a 1% chance of survival to mastering two above-knee prostheses and a prosthetic arm. My story is not just about survival; it is about reclaiming my future and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
When I first woke up after the accident, my life had changed forever. The medical prognosis was grim, but I made an early decision that my situation would not define me. Rehabilitation was brutal, but through persistence, I gradually regained my independence.
Osseointegration and Hanger Bilateral Above Knee Protocol became a turning point – Yet, despite these advancements, challenges remained. The available prosthetic feet were simply not good enough for my lifestyle and ambitions. So, I took matters into my own hands and developed my own prosthetic foot – designed to simplify my daily life and enable an active lifestyle.
My talk is about transforming adversity into motivation, about daring to challenge limitations, and about creating new opportunities. I aim to inspire others – patients, researchers, and engineers – to think bigger, to look beyond obstacles, and to push the development of prosthetic technology forward together.
Join me as I share my journey, and let’s shape the future together!
