Charity Group Supplies All-Terrain Wheelchairs to Haiti

posted on Jun 23 by Amanda in the Advocacy, Disability News, Health, Technology, Wheelchair Technology category

Several charity groups in the U.S. and Haiti have partnered with a wheelchair manufacturer to provide wheelchairs to Haitians affected by earthquakes. The charity group called The Red Thread Promise (TRTP) that helps provide medical care for orphans around the globe is spearheading efforts to provide state-of-the-art, all-terrain wheelchairs to amputees in Haiti.

Many people in Haiti were injured in the earthquakes of January 2010, and all terrain wheelchairs can improve mobility and quality of life for amputees and individuals with spinal injuries. Wheelchairs used in hospital or urban settings may provide mobility for some individuals, but those who live in rural environments need special chairs called all-terrain wheelchairs or ATWs.

The all-terrain wheelchair was developed by Mobility International, an Arkansas company that specializes in mobility equipment such as specialty wheelchairs and scooters. The all-terrain wheel chairs are specially designed for maneuvering around common hazards in rural areas such as dirt, pot holes, tree limbs, and rocks. All-terrain wheelchairs are often sold as sport wheelchairs in the U.S. for individuals to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors, but these chairs can be a lifesaver for individuals in countries like Haiti.

The chairs have a slightly wider wheel base, extended front wheels, shocks, and cushioning, as well as thick, mountain bike tires. These rugged wheelchairs are ideally suited for the conditions in Haiti, where amputees and wheelchair users may have to traverse rough terrain in rural environments. As well as the all-terrain wheelchairs, the company is also providing a maintenance kit to keep the wheelchairs in working order.

The Red Thread Promise is an American charity group dedicated to helping orphans around the world. They have a longstanding relationship with many Haitian groups, including Mountain Top Ministries (MTM), a Christian group in Port au Prince, Haiti that provides medical care and education to the impoverished. Mountain Top Ministries will take receipt of the all-terrain wheelchairs and make sure they get to those in need.

Individuals as well as large corporations can contribute to The Red Thread Promise, like the Canadian office of Halliburton, which contributed 50 ATWs to the Haiti cause. In addition to TRTP, Mobility International has paired with many different charity organizations in order to provide wheelchairs and maintenance kits to those in Haiti who need them. If you’re interested in donating, please visit the links below to get more information on how to help.

The Red Thread Promise – http://www.redthreadpromise.org
Mobility International – http://www.mobilityintl.com

Sources:

http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/finance/wheelchair-donation.php

http://www.mobilityintl.com/news/press_release/press_release2.html