Wheelchair Programs
It is estimated that over 100 million people with physical disabilities worldwide need wheelchairs, though less than 1 percent own or have access to one.
The number of physically disabled is likely underestimated, due to the difficulty in accounting for "forgotten" citizens who spend their lives hidden from sight.
In many developing countries, the only way for a person with physical disabilities to be mobile is to crawl along the ground or be carried by family or friends. An all too common reality is that many people stay in bed or the corner of a room for years at a time.
WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR WHEELCHAIRS
| People require the use of a wheelchair for many reasons: accidents, birth defects, war injuries, debilitating diseases and advanced age. |
| One of the most horrific causes of disability worldwide can be attributed to landmines or unexploded ordinance (UXO). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 29,000 people are injured by landmines or UXO around the world. This number does not include unreported cases, or those that are killed by the explosions. |
| It is estimated that the number of people who need wheelchairs will increase by 22 percent over the next 10 years, with the greatest need existing in developing countries. |
| The wheelchairs provided by the Wheelchair Foundation are purchased in bulk, and designed to be the best possible solution in developing countries. They are delivered in a 100 to 280-wheelchair ocean freight container, and are offered free of charge to those most in need. Your donation of as little as $75 will help sponsor, ship and deliver a new wheelchair to a person in need. To have input on the country of destination and/or to participate on a distribution trip, please also consider sponsorship of an entire container of 100 to 280 wheelchairs to a specific country. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| Q: How many people need wheelchairs but cannot afford one? A: It is estimated that at least 100 million children, teens and adults worldwide need a wheelchair but cannot afford one. Some international organizations believe that the number could be as high as 6% of the population of developing countries. The number in Angola is 20% of population of 12 million people. Other "landmine" countries such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bosnia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Mozambique have extremely high physical disability rates. |
| Q: Where are the wheelchairs manufactured? A: We purchase wheelchairs from several manufacturers in China that build a quality product designed to be easily maintainable in developing countries. |
| Q: How much do I have to donate to deliver a wheelchair to a physically disabled person? A: $75 to $150 helps purchase, ship and deliver a new wheelchair to a person in need and supports the mission of Wheelchair Foundation. |
| Q: Are these wheelchairs designed for rough, third world conditions? A: Yes. The wheelchairs that we distribute are specifically designed for the rough conditions of developing countries. Extra heavy wheels, tires, and front casters, sealed bearings and nylon seating make these wheelchairs the best possible for most conditions. |
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Sunrise Rotary is actively looking for donations for our Wheelchair Foundation drive. If you are interested in making a donation, please download our form below. There are instructions inside for mailing.
If you are looking to do more than donate, we're interested in any ideas or involvment you might want to have. Please contact Scott Dudley (wheelchairs@whidbeyrotary.com) with your questions or ideas.
Content is copyright © 2007-2008 Wheelchair Foundation.