Free Wheelchair Mission
PROGRAMS
Wheelchairs for People Living with Disability in Under-resourced Countries
For as little as $96, we provide a high-quality, low-cost, and highly functional wheelchair to suitable recipients free of charge. All three of our wheelchair models are designed with locally-available resources in mind and designed to be resilient enough to withstand regular use in the rugged terrain most common in the developing world. FWM wheelchairs are manufactured in China and India, then shipped directly in containers of 510-550 units to the port of entry of the destination country. Each container project costs $49,000 (see budget cost for a container of wheelchairs below). Once in-country, FWM distributes the wheelchairs through established humanitarian and social service networks. We train our partners in correct wheelchair prescription and provision, ensuring proper distribution and education to the recipient. Our wheelchair design and distribution model allows us to maximize our impact around the globe, lifting thousands off the ground and gifting them with not only mobility, but a renewed sense of dignity, hope, and independence. Free Wheelchair Mission is bringing transformation that opens doors to education, employment opportunities, and community that these individuals only dreamed of before receiving the gift of mobility. Without mobility, individuals living with disabilities are often restricted and denied access to the services they seek. The impact of a wheelchair offers independence, opportunity, and access to resources that promote self-reliance, dignified transportation, and social connection.
FWM's expected outcomes for every distribution project are:
· 100% of the wheelchairs are given to people with disabilities living in an under-resourced country who need a wheelchair but are unable to afford or obtain one.
· 100% of recipients receive materials on the use of the wheelchair and contact information for the partner in their country in case the need for repairs arises.
· FWM is provided with placement reports on the distributions from its partner.
Goal: To provide the gift of mobility to people living with physical disabilities in an under-resourced country
• Objective 1: Partners identify and qualify individuals to receive a FWM wheelchair
• Objective 2: Provide recipients and caregivers with materials on wheelchair use and maintenance
• Objective 3: Provide --- recipients a fully assembled, ready-to-use wheelchair
• Objective 4: Receive completed reports, including photographic evidence of distribution from partner
Evaluation of every distribution project is performed through an evaluation form filled out by each partner and submitted to FWM's program staff for review. After each container is distributed, this form is used to audit the performance of the partner. Performance is based on standards of timeliness, provision of training, and submission of photographic and narrative evidence of distribution.
The desired long-term outcomes of our distribution program are lives transformed by the gift of mobility without cost to the recipient. Our distribution partners in the countries we service, inform us of recipients who are able to find jobs, go back to school, visit their places of worship, or travel because of their newfound mobility. This is the heart of what we do as an organization: offer the gift of mobility so that those living with disabilities or injury can live with renewed hope, freedom and dignity.
CONTACT
Free Wheelchair Mission
15279 Alton Parkway
Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92618
mfinifrock@freewheelchairmission.org
Phone: 949-273-8470 x1215