In 1996, the international landmine epidemic prompted Dr. William Kennedy Smith to found Physicians Against Landmines (PALM). As a member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, PALM was a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize and has served as part of the international working group on Mine Victim Assistance and the Steering Committee of the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines.
In 1998 , as part of its long-term strategy, PALM opened the Chicago-based Center for International Rehabilitation (CIR) and expanded its activities in the area of landmine victim assistance to include landmine rehabilitation services and advocacy for people with disabilities. As part of its program expansion, the CIR developed the world's first disability distance learning program in prosthetics, orthotics and amputee care. The program uses a tailored mix of educational materials, including texts, electronic interactive media and face-to-face workshops, which are designed to reach the largest number of students in the most cost-effective manner. Courses have been taught in six countries to over 70 students from 30 rehabilitation centers. The centers in which these students are employed treat an estimated 8,600 war wounded and other amputees each year. PALM changed its name to CIR with the opening of its research and development center in Chicago in 1999.
In 1998 , as part of its long-term strategy, PALM opened the Chicago-based Center for International Rehabilitation (CIR) and expanded its activities in the area of landmine victim assistance to include landmine rehabilitation services and advocacy for people with disabilities. As part of its program expansion, the CIR developed the world's first disability distance learning program in prosthetics, orthotics and amputee care. The program uses a tailored mix of educational materials, including texts, electronic interactive media and face-to-face workshops, which are designed to reach the largest number of students in the most cost-effective manner. Courses have been taught in six countries to over 70 students from 30 rehabilitation centers. The centers in which these students are employed treat an estimated 8,600 war wounded and other amputees each year. PALM changed its name to CIR with the opening of its research and development center in Chicago in 1999.
Regions of MA operation
- Asia
- The Americas
Related mine action topics
- International conventions
- Victim assistance
- Non Governmental Organisations
- 350 West Mart Center - C2 Level, Suite 115, 60654, Chicago, IL, , United States
- http://www.cirnetwork.org/content.cfm?id=5B&newCommunity&CFID=1497503&CFTOKEN=19362058
- info@cirnetwork.org
- (312) 280-4970