Mobility issues affect people all around the world. Affording a wheelchair can be a challenge and some are left unable to live their life due to a lack of mobility. There are many charitable organizations that provide wheelchairs to adults and kids in need. A few of the most common include The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Goodwill.
Each of these well-known organizations are household names. And, they have been giving back to communities all over the world for over 100 years. They have provided financial and medical resources in times of great need. While they do not specialize in donating mobility equipment, they have helped get much-needed mobility aids to many. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Goodwill all continue to provide help to communities worldwide.
Of course, these are not the only charities that can help with mobility equipment. Wheelchair charities are available worldwide to help offer wheelchairs and mobility aids to those in need. Here are some wheelchair charities worth looking into.
1. The Wheelchair Foundation
The Wheelchair Foundation is an international charitable foundation that creates awareness of the needs of people who are disabled. And, they deliver wheelchairs to anyone in need who cannot afford one. People with mobility challenges exist in every country and in every condition imaginable. The Wheelchair Foundation tailors to the geographic differences and rough conditions of many developing countries. A $200.00 donation will help purchase a new wheelchair for a person in need. And, deliver it to them. Or, you can even sponsor a container of up to 280 wheelchairs that will be delivered to disabled individuals in a country in need. With many programs, partners, and many ways to get involved, The Wheelchair Foundation has continued to give mobility back to people worldwide.
2. American Wheelchair Mission
American Wheelchair Mission is part of the Global Wheelchair Mission. Their mission is to provide and deliver new wheelchairs and mobility aids to all physically disabled people who are unable to acquire assistance with mobility or obtain a mobility aid. In addition, American Wheelchair Mission is heavily focused on providing mobility assistance to those affected in the Americas. Similar to The Wheelchair Foundation, American Wheelchair Mission delivers a new wheelchair to a recipient.
3. TKEN – The Kids Equipment Network
The Kids Equipment Network provides specially adaptive mobility equipment to children with mobility issues. Their team of volunteers includes physical and occupational therapists, professionals in assistive technology, and representatives from different manufacturers. Monthly clinics are held where kids are measured and fitted for adaptive mobility aids. These mobility aids will help get them back into the world to enjoy their childhoods. Not to mention, TKEN has changed the lives of over 3,000 kids by donating over 5,000 pieces of adaptive mobility equipment. Their website contains forms that can be filled out and submitted by anyone who needs access to adaptive mobility equipment for kids. In addition, TKEN partners with organizations such as Little Wins and MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) to help provide services nationwide.
4. Direct Relief
Direct Relief provides humanitarian and disaster relief and prevention services globally. Through an extensive network of partners and volunteers, they provide relief, support, and preparation services. As well as medical resources to people and communities impacted by natural disasters. Plus, they also help lesser developed countries and communities with access to a variety of health care and medicine. With focuses on rare diseases, maternal health, HIV and AIDS and pediatric health just to name a few areas. Recently, Direct Relief has provided aid to those impacted by the extreme weather in California and has provided aid to Ukraine. With the large amount of work Direct Relief has done throughout the world, they understand the need for mobility aids and understand that not many who need them can afford them. In addition, they have donated wheelchairs to kids and adults around the world.
5. LifeNets
LifeNets is an international organization that promotes the self-sufficiency and well-being of disadvantaged people worldwide. They were started in the late 90s after the founder provided support and relief to people impacted by the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl and saw a need for additional support and resources. From there, LifeNets has grown into an international organization that continues to give back and make a global difference. LifeNets runs a wheelchair program that has provided wheelchairs to many people in need. In addition, their program accepts monetary donations and accepts wheelchairs for donations. This program is meant to help find a wheelchair that best serves an individual’s purposes. Plus, through a network of volunteers, relief groups and churches, LifeNets continues to provide resources and support globally through various programs which also include scholarships and habitat rebuilding.
6. Wheelchairs for Warriors
Wheelchairs for Warriors provides custom-fit mobility solutions to veterans and first responders in the United States. The dangers that come with being in the military and in law enforcement are no secret. Not to mention, military and law enforcement personnel can get injured often. And, some injuries can result in a loss of mobility. With the help of many generous donations, Wheelchairs for Warriors gives back to these warriors who have put their lives on the line to protect and serve our country and communities. Because of this organization, one recipient, Marco De La Rosa, was able to compete in the Paralympics. If you or someone you know is a disabled veteran or first responder, Wheelchairs for Warriors may be able to help.
Conclusion
Giving mobile independence back to those who struggle with or lost their mobility leads to positive change and the return of a healthy lifestyle. It is unfortunate when cost and accessibility drive a wedge between people and their mobility. Thankfully many people, both adults and children, around the world have benefited from a wheelchair obtained or donated from one of many charitable organizations. In addition, these organizations continue to thrive and give back to communities all over the world with various support systems and resources. And, it’s great to know there is hope for those that need mobility aids but cannot obtain or afford assistance so easily. As always, thank you for reading and for choosing EasyGo Mobility.