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About Us
American Friends of CRP is a registered non-profit dedicated to supporting the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Bangladesh.
Who We Are
Empowering Lives Through Partnership
American Friends of CRP (AFCRP) is a non-profit charitable organization (IRS EIN 46-1244535) authorized to raise and send funds to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Bangladesh. We provide tax exemption receipts to all American donors.
In 2012, Ms. Valerie Taylor, the founder of CRP Bangladesh, visited Houston and introduced the organization to the Bangladeshi community — sharing CRP's mission, vision, and the urgent need for support. That visit inspired the formation of AFCRP.
We believe that every individual deserves access to medical treatment, education, and vocational training, regardless of their physical abilities. Through our fundraising efforts, we aim to empower people with disabilities and improve their quality of life.
Tax Deductible
IRS EIN: 46-1244535
Est. 2012
“CRP's aim is to reduce accidents in general and for those who have succumbed, provide the best standard of treatment and rehabilitation possible — at the same time giving this support at a subsidized rate for those who cannot contribute to their costs.”
— Valerie A. Taylor, Founder, CRP Bangladesh
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Vision
Our Vision
“To ensure the inclusion of girls and boys, women and men with disabilities into mainstream society.”
Our Mission
“To promote an environment where all individuals with disabilities have equal access to health, rehabilitation, education, employment, the physical environment, and information.”
Our Partner
Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed
Founded in 1979 by Valerie Ann Taylor, a British physiotherapist, CRP was created to provide specialized rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries in Bangladesh. It has since grown into one of the country's most impactful organizations for people with disabilities.
CRP offers a comprehensive range of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support services — focusing on the physical, emotional, social, psychological, and economic aspects of disability. CRP has established centers in various parts of the country, working in partnership with other organizations.
The organization is committed to promoting skilled personnel development in healthcare and rehabilitation, community-based services, advocacy and networking, and raising awareness of disability issues — including the inclusion of disabled girls and women at national, regional, and international levels.
Through our partnership, AFCRP channels funds to support these programs. Donations are tax deductible, and with negligible admin fees, almost 100% of donations go directly to CRP. AFCRP also accepts Zakat as donation.
Visit CRP Website
CRP Head Office, Savar — “Service to Sufferers is Service to God”
1979
Founded by Valerie A. Taylor
14
CRP Centres across Bangladesh
129,471
Patients served last year
1,400+
Students currently studying
Programs We Support
Medical treatment & rehabilitation
Educational & vocational training
Assistive technology devices
Community-based empowerment
Skilled healthcare personnel development
National & international advocacy
Education
CRP's Academic Institutes
Bangladesh has too few trained rehabilitation professionals. CRP educates them itself — and teaches the children other schools turn away.
1,400+
students currently studying
320
health & rehabilitation professionals graduated last year
302
vocational trainees last year
243
placed into employment last year
Est. 1992
Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI)
CRP's academic institute, founded to produce the skilled rehabilitation staff Bangladesh lacks. A second campus in Rajshahi took its first intake in August 2026.
The only institute in Bangladesh offering a BSc in Occupational Therapy and a BSc in Speech & Language Therapy.
Courses offered
- BSc in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy
- Diplomas in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
- Diploma in Laboratory Sciences and Radiography
- Diploma in Rehabilitation Nursing
- Certificate in Education for Special Education
- MSc in Rehabilitation Science
Est. 1993
CRP Nursing College
Began in 1993 as a short course on spinal cord injury and bedsore management, and became an independent college in 2010.
Courses offered
- Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery (3 years)
- BSc in Nursing (4 years, University of Dhaka)
- Affiliated with the Bangladesh Nursing & Midwifery Council
Est. 1993
William & Marie Taylor Inclusive School
CRP opened a special needs school at Savar in 1993 and built a fully inclusive school in 2003, teaching children with and without disabilities side by side.
Two units
- Inclusive Education Unit — play group through class V
- Special Education Needs Unit — six classrooms including vocational teaching
- Combines special-needs pupils with children of CRP staff and the local community
Figures published by CRP Bangladesh for FY 2024-25.
The Founder
Valerie A. Taylor
CBE, OBE — British physiotherapist
In 1979, Valerie Ann Taylor — a British physiotherapist — founded CRP in two cement storerooms at Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital in Dhaka, starting with just 4 patients. Her vision was simple but profound: provide the best possible rehabilitation to those who need it most.
Today, CRP has grown into 14 centres across Bangladesh, treating 129,471patients last year. Valerie's dedication has been recognized with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) from King Charles III and the Bangladesh Independence Award — the country's highest civilian honor.
CBE (2025)
OBE (1995)
Bangladesh Independence Award (2004)
World Physiotherapy Award (2023)
Leadership
Executive Committee
Our dedicated team of volunteers works tirelessly to support CRP and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
MZ
Mr. Muhammad Zaman
Chairman
HAB
Mrs. Hosne Ara Begum
President
AC
Ms. Anna Chowdhury
General Secretary
MS
Dr. Munir Shajahan
Vice President
TC
Mrs. Tabassum Chowdhury
Additional Secretary
AKA
Mr. Abul Kalam Azad
Treasurer
NP
Mrs. Nibraj Parveen
Cultural Secretary