The Miracle of Wheelchairs

By Lisa Fernandez, Co-director

This ragged wheelchair was replaced by a new custom-fitted one by the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Wheelchair Project.

The Wisconsin/Nicaragua Wheelchair Project provides a working model of a successful aid program. It demonstrates what can happen when resources (human, economic, material) are mobilized with commitment, dedication and skill to meet a pressing need. It is living proof that dreams can become realities - in fact, the realities can outstrip the dream.

Entering its 9th year, the wheelchair project can boast the following:

A fully equipped and staffed wheelchair workshop in Matagalpa, Nicaragua - complete with tools, spare parts, equipment and all the ingredients necessary to adapt and/or repair wheelchairs.

A trained staff of wheelchair repair persons, with the requisite skills and expertise to repair and refurbish wheelchairs.

Another happy wheelchair recipient and his mom in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

A trained staff of seating technicians, with the ability to measure individuals to be fitted to a wheelchair, choose the most appropriate chair, and modify that chair to best fit the physical needs of the recipient. All this with an eye to proper seating and postioning, and prevention of injury (including prevention of pressure sores).

A well-established communication network which is steadily widening the area served -as people are coming from all parts of Nicaragua to obtain the services of the workshop in Matagalpa.

Employment of handicapped and non-handicapped people in a setting that provides dignity; emotionally, physically and intellectually challenging work; and the acquisition of valuable technical skills. Within the employment setting there are opportunities for advancement and salary increase.

There is lots of cause for celebration during the annual wheelchair distribution in Matagalpa.

Over 1,000 wheelchairs have been fitted and distributed to children and adults in Nicaragua by the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Wheelchair Project. These chairs were distributed at NO COST to the recipients. Each recipient and/or their family were provided with detailed instruction in the use and care of the wheelchair and has all needed repair services for the chair available at no cost. Each child, adult, family member was treated with dignity and respect.

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The Miracle of Wheelchairs

By Lisa Fernandez, Co-director