Our Mission
Steps Forward exists to improve mobility, independence and quality of life for people living with foot drop and lower leg paralysis who cannot access or afford the support they need. We believe access to mobility shouldn’t be determined by where you live or what you can afford.
By providing appropriate orthotic devices, working alongside local organisations and sharing practical knowledge, we aim to remove barriers to mobility and give people greater freedom to participate in everyday life.
Projects
Steps Forward has delivered multiple hands-on projects across northern Ecuador, partnering with local organisation Prótesis Imbabura to provide TurboMed AFOs to people living with foot drop and other mobility challenges. Steps Forward has supplied the devices at no cost, while also providing training and practical support to local clinicians to ensure they can confidently fit, adjust and support recipients beyond our visits. These projects have helped establish local knowledge and capacity, allowing more people to access appropriate mobility support.
We also extend our reach by sending AFOs overseas to countries such as India and the Philippines, and sponsoring individuals in Central America who would otherwise be unable to access or afford appropriate bracing.
Whether through direct fitting projects, training local clinicians, partnerships with community organisations or individual sponsorships, our goal remains the same: to make effective mobility support accessible to people who need it, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.
What is a Turbomed AFO?
TurboMed was born out of lived experience. Its inventor, Francois Côté, lives with foot drop and understands firsthand the challenges it can create for everyday mobility and participation in life. Rather than accepting the limitations of traditional bracing, Francois developed an innovative solution that would provide support without unnecessarily restricting natural movement.
The result is the Turbomed XTERN range of dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Unlike conventional braces that sit inside the shoe or against the leg, TurboMed attaches externally to footwear using a lightweight, spring-like exoskeleton. It helps lift the foot, provides stability and allows greater freedom of movement. Designed to support people in their everyday lives, these devices can also accommodate more demanding activities such as running and hiking.
These qualities also make the XTERN well suited to low-resource settings. It is robust enough to withstand daily use on rough terrain, and it is simple to fit and adapt using only basic tools, without the specialised equipment, workshops or lengthy lead times that custom-moulded braces require. That means a single technician can assess, fit and adjust devices on the spot.
Do you need an AFO?
Steps Forward provides free ankle-foot orthoses to people who meet all three of these criteria:
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You have foot drop or lower leg weakness or paralysis. Suitability is confirmed at an assessment, because an AFO isn’t right for every condition.
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You can’t afford an AFO. Our devices are free, and they’re for people who couldn’t otherwise buy one.
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You can’t access one locally. We focus on communities where orthotic care isn’t available.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, get in touch and tell us a little about the person’s condition and location. Places are limited and each fitting is subject to assessment, so we can’t promise a device to everyone who applies.
About me
Over a decade ago, a cycling accident left me with a broken back, a shattered pelvis and left-sided foot drop. Rebuilding my life took years, and I've since returned to strength and adventure, with a deep commitment to helping others facing similar obstacles.
Having tried many options myself, I'm now a TurboMed technician, and I believe TurboMed AFOs are among the best available for active people with partial leg paralysis. They offer comfort, a natural range of movement and the durability to withstand daily life in developing-country conditions.
The Steps Forward Project aims to provide these life-changing AFOs to people with disabilities in underserved areas of the world.
Help us
Help us reach more people.
Steps Forward is run by volunteers on a very low cost base, so your support goes straight into getting devices to the people who need them.
Each person we fit receives hands-on, personal support, not just a brace. If you’d like to contribute, get in touch and we’ll show you how.
