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The Worldmade ProgrammeOur global programme to supply large numbers of appropriate wheelchairs through a network of wheelchair services across developing countries. Read more... |
"I like this wheelchair very much because the front wheel doesn't get stuck on small stones when I go outside. At work I can get further under the table so closer to my work. People ask me about the design of the chair with the front wheel because they have not seen it before and everyone is saying hello to me!"
Filbert Mlay, optical technician, paraplegic
Everyone is unique. So are disabled people and their way of life. Motivation recognises individuality and the importance of an appropriate mobility device that will assist a disabled person to be active and lead an independent life.
The design of a wheelchair, seat or limb is not a one-off process. Disabled people have vastly differing needs, so the equipment has to take into account such factors as the nature of the disability, the age of the person and the environment in which they live. As a result, many different designs of wheelchair, including three-wheel tricycles and supportive seating for children with cerebral palsy, have been developed.
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Postural supportive seating design which enables Porimol to play with his friends. |
The three-wheel Mekong is dispatched throughout Cambodia as a flat pack and assembled on-site. |
Promoting the production of appropriate technologies for mobility. Jaffna, Sri Lanka. |
To ensure that our work is sustainable we train local people to produce and provide mobility products in two complementary ways. Firstly, we help set-up and strengthen local production workshops to produce and provide equipment for their communities. Secondly, we mass produce a range of appropriate and durable wheelchairs, called Worldmade, for developing countries which are assembled, prescribed and fitted by trained local services and workshops.
Motivation's two main approaches to supplying products to local wheelchair services are:
Supporting local production designs
- Training
- Facilities – establishing local workshop
- Capacity building
The Worldmade Programme
- Imported flat pack products for local assembly
- Training
- Facilities
- Capacity building
"We were 19 people being rehabilitated in 2001 and discharged in 2003. I am now the only person alive. The rest have died because of pressure sores. If someone can't afford a wheelchair and is using a wheelbarrow and doesn't have a cushion what do you expect?"
Gladys Charowa, Director of Disabled Women Support Organisation, Zimbabwe
Disabled people are often the poorest members of society. This means that paying for equipment which will drastically improve their lives is completely unrealistic for most people. In many developing countries governments do not prioritise or have the funds to provide wheelchairs or supportive seating. Motivation has set up mobility equipment financing funds for our local partner organisations so that they can subsidise the cost of production and provide wheelchairs for those in their communities who need them.
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Worldmade: Flat packed wheelchairs |
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Four wheel chairs |
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Three wheel chairs |
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Tricycles |
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Supportive seating |
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UK design: supportive seating |