In 2021 we initiated a wheelchair provision program, starting with an online course in wheelchair provision in November 2020 and progressing to a distribution of 100 wheelchairs in spring of 2021.
We worked with CLASP, a USAID program that makes quality wheelchairs available in a variety of models so that each person can receive the wheelchair that meets their needs, with Live Boundless, an Asheville-based NGO, and with Rotary Club of Asheville-Metro.
The distribution was exciting! First we evaluated individuals, many in very remote mountain homes, during the height of the pandemic with lockdowns and maximal PPE. We then adapted each chair as needed and fitted it to the individual on a second visit.
Madeline Delp of Live Boundless visited in November with recipients of the wheelchairs and cemented relationships with our partners in Imbabura Province.
