Mobility impacts everything we do and every opportunity we have.
Self-sufficiency.
Lack of access to care can make people with disabilities overly dependent on family members – preventing both the person with disability and the family members from becoming economically active and socially included.
When we met five year old Ashok, his family was still attempting to save the money necessary to buy his first wheelchair. Without one, Ashok had to be carried by his mother everywhere, unable to move independently. After receiving his first wheelchair, not only can Ashok now move on his own, he can also feed himself, and play with toys he keeps on his wheelchair table. Ashok’s mother also now has the time and freedom to go back to work to support her family.
Education.
On average, a child in a LMIC lives 3 miles from the nearest primary school. Without the ability to physically walk or bike to school, they simply cannot and do not receive an education. In fact, 90% of children living with disabilities in emerging countries do not attend school.
After 12 year old Xeng lost his leg in an automobile accident, he could not stand, let alone walk to school. A once star-student, he felt lonely and shy, unable to envision a future for himself. Five years later we provided Xeng with his first prosthetic leg. 17 year old Xeng is now back in school with his sights set on becoming a dentist (and yes, he's back at the top of his class!).
Employment.
Worldwide, persons with disabilities are 2.5 times as likely to be unemployed, and only 15% are employed. Without the option to secure gainful employment, a person with a disability in a LMIC is unable to break the cycle of poverty they were born into.
19 year old Wanda has been a CoolKid since she was nine years old. Today, Wanda proudly works at a local factory, supporting herself and her family. Ask her, and she'll gladly share that she's their top employee. Highly ambitious and full of energy, Wanda dreams of one day starting her own business.
Community.
According to the World Health Organization, persons with disabilities are almost always denied equal access to health care, employment, education, or political participation because of their disability, ostracizing them from their communities.
After Sachin lost his legs at 19, he remained bed-bound for eight months as he recovered. During this time, Sachin lost his self-confidence and became plagued by negative thoughts. After we provided Sachin with his prosthetic legs, and after many months of therapy, he joined a gym. Since joining, Sachin has built a community of friends at the gym, and on social media, and has found happiness in being a source of inspiration and positivity for others.