Therapists for Armenia

We are a group of volunteers from occupational, physical, and speech therapy backgrounds who strengthen rehabilitation and disability services in Armenia through inclusive, sustainable approaches. Our goals are to make international connections, strengthen service delivery, fight disability stigma, and help our Armenian communities thrive. Join us or donate to support our efforts!

*We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

Our Mission and Vision

The mission for Therapists for Armenia (TFA) is to advance the fields of occupational, physical, and speech therapy, to promote inclusion of people with disabilities, and to foster well being within Armenian communities through education, collaboration, support, and advocacy.

We aim to shift societal perceptions and attitudes towards disability and rehabilitation within Armenian communities through sustainable, equitable, accessible, and evidence-based approaches.

Membership Form

If you are an occupational, physical, or speech  therapist/assistant/student and are interested in helping Armenian communities, please complete our membership form below!

Community Initiatives

Armineh Babikian is Invited Panelist at American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly

November 12, 2024

TFA founder & director, Armineh Babikian, was an invited panelist at the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) Annual Assembly in San Diego, CA to present at the session titled “Humanitarian Rehabilitation in Conflict Zones: Lessons Learned and Future Strategies.” She was joined by fellow speakers who were engaged in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and Haiti. She presented on the development of Armenian rehabilitation services, the Artsakh conflict from 2020- present, and the humanitarian and developments that were led and supported by Therapists for Armenia.

Babikian reflects, “I was a bit nervous honestly. I was the only one in the group who was not a medical doctor and not presenting on Ukraine. But I spoke my truth and my passion. Many people expressed learning about the conflict for the first time and wanted to support. I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate and share perspectives from allied health and Armenian rehabilitation.”

We are very proud of Armineh and her continuous efforts to not only strengthen Armenian rehabilitation but also spread awareness.

TFA Presents in Poland at the 1st Occupational Therapy Europe Congress 2024

October 20, 2024

TFA founding director, Armineh Babikian (Canada), and IRF fellow, Tatev Ghazaryan (Armenia), presented at the 1st Occupational Therapy Europe Congress 2024 in Krakow, Poland. This congress brought together all European organizations dealing with occupational therapy.  This was the only presentation about occupational therapy in Armenia.

Babikian and Ghazaryan’s presentation titled “Experiences of Armenian Rehabilitation Therapists in Implementing the ICF for Disability Determination” discussed the preliminary results of an ongoing research project looking the involvement of occupational therapists in the new disability determination process launched in Armenia in 2023. This research stemmed from Ghazaryan and colleague’s capstone project while participating in the NIH Armenia Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Fellowship (IRF), co-founded by TFA in 2022.  

While the entire research team was not able to be present at the Congress, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of Lara Iskandaryan (Armenia), IRF Fellow and occupational therapist, and Mark Kovic, occupational therapy professor at Midwestern University (Illinois, USA).

TFA Wins Prestigious Grant to 3D Print Assistive Technology in Armenia

October 1, 2024

We are excited to announce that TFA was one of the 10 global recipients of the Armenia 2041 Galvanizing Diaspora Grant! This was a highly competitive process with 174 applicants from 26 countries. 

This grant will support our new initiative, Azad 3D, in collaboration with our partners in Armenia, Disability Rights Agenda, ArmBionics, Lousé Rehabilitation Centre & Foundation. This project aims to make assistive technology (AT) more accessible and affordable for Armenians in need by leveraging 3D printing. Through the Azad 3D online platform, individuals can order custom AT devices made in Armenia. The program brings together experts from the Diaspora and Armenia, promoting disability inclusion and professional development for young Armenians through a mentorship program. 

Watch our short video to learn more about the project!

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