Wheelchair Training & Distribution in Lima

Preparing the maintenance packs for wheelchairs

About 5 years ago our Church produced a DVD about the Humanitarian Aid that was given worldwide.  This included:- 

Neonatal Resuscitation Training 

Vision Treatment Training 

Provision of Clean Water Wells

Measles Vaccinations

Emergency Response to Disasters

Training for fitting Wheelchairs for the Disaabled

The Church logo is on the back of every wheelchair

We thought it would be really interesting to serve a Humanitarian Aid Mission & be involved in the above projects.  The next time we visited Andrew in America we went to the Church Offices & spoke with Dr Don Doty.  When he found out that Brian was a General Practitioner, he said he would prefer us to give our service to the care of missionaries - hence our current mission.  However, when I heard of Humanitarian Aid Missionaries coming to Lima to train for the fitting of wheelchairs, I contacted them.  As a result, on Wed 20th July we went with two other couples to a Government facility for the Disabled.  

Measuring for the right size

She won't need the crutches so much now

Until a few years ago, the same style wheelchair was given to everyone, but now local professionals are trained to determine which style & size would be most suitable.  At the beginning of July, Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists were trained in a private Rehabilitation Centre.  At the facility we went to, Government funded Social Workers were trained & on the last day of the training, the recipients were assessed & 21 wheelchairs were given out.  The people who worked in this Facility determined who could qualify for a wheelchair.   

Recipients come in all shapes & sizes

The initial assessment

then the measuring

finally, a new wheelchair of her own

 We felt so privileged to witness such a life changing event for these poor people.  Most came in on crutches, a few in dilapidated wheelchairs, and all went out delighted with their new gift of freedom.  Naturally, their helpers/family members were as pleased as they were.

Adjusting the wheelchair

Another delighted recipient

Just some of the 21 happy people fitted today

While we were there, we went on a tour of the Facility to see the various classes available for the people to attend & learn a skill that they could use to make some money i.e. computing, baking, shoe making, woodwork, sewing & embroidery and gardening.  We were very impressed with the items they made, & the happy, relaxed atmosphere in each room.  

Woodwork room

Making shoes

Sewing & embroidery room

The bakery

 We each came away grateful for our own capabilities, & also that others who were not so blessed, were being helped to have a more independant lifestyle.