Inspiration Archives - EasyGo Mobility Inc.

6 Wheelchair Charities You Need to Know

by Rick L | Jan 18, 2023 | Inspiration, Mobility Aids

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.

10 Paralympians Who Inspire Us

by Rick L | Oct 7, 2022 | Inspiration

The Paralympic Games is a grand stage where any individual with disabilities can succeed and achieve greatness as an athlete. Even if the Paralympians do not win any medals, being a part of such an event is an achievement and is something to be proud of. It shows that people with disabilities have the strength and motivation to break down barriers, overcome obstacles, and reach their full athletic potential. Paralympians are nothing short of remarkable. They continue to inspire individuals around the world to get out in the world and make their dreams come true. Dating back to 1948, and introducing their Winter Games in 1976, the Paralympics has grown into an international multi-sport event drawing huge audiences, featuring thousands of the world’s greatest athletes. Here are some of those great athletes.

1. Trischa Zorn

Trischa Zorn is the world’s most successful athlete to ever compete in the Paralympics. She represented the U.S and has won a total of 55 medals in swimming. 41 of them being gold. Trischa Zorn was born legally blind due to aniridia on June 1st, 1964. She began competing at Arnhem in 1980 and her last appearance was in Athens in 2004. Trischa remained legally blind until she received two artificial iris implants in 2003. This did not affect her classification for the Paralympics. Trischa Zorn was inducted into the Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2012. These days, Trischa works for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Michael Edgson

Michael Edgson, born May 6th 1969, is visually impaired and competed in swimming during the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Paralympics. He represented Canada and won a total of 17 gold medals. Making him one of the most successful Paralympians of all time. Michael was awarded the BC Athlete of the Year on 3 occasions. He was the first Paralympian to receive Swimming Canada’s Circle of Excellence in 2009. He was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Michael set multiple world records for swimming in the 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, and 200m individual medley. He also holds a record for winning nine gold medals in the 1988 Paralympic Games. Michael retired and became the finance director of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

3. Maria Scutti

Maria Scutti, born in August 1928, was nicknamed the “Golden Woman” due to her accomplishments during her time as a Paralympic athlete. She competed in the 1960 Rome Summer Paralympics and won 15 medals, 10 of which were gold; the most to be received by any athlete in a single edition of the Paralympics Games. Maria is known for participating in swimming, wheelchair fencing, and para table tennis. She lost the use of her legs due to a vehicle accident in 1957. While in rehab, she developed a love and passion for sports and started challenging herself by competing in 1958. During her time in the Paralympics, Maria represented Italy until she retired in 1962. She passed away in 2005.

4. Roberto Marson

Roberto Marson is an Italian multi-sport Paralympic athlete who competed in Paralympic athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair fencing. He was born on June 29th, 1944, and lost the use of his legs when a pine tree fell on his back. Roberto won a total of 26 medals, the most of any Paralympic athlete from Italy, 16 of which were gold. Roberto is one of the most decorated Paralympians from Italy. His first appearance in the Paralympics was at the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games. His final Paralympic games appearance was in 1976 at the Toronto games. Roberto died in 2011 and received a posthumous induction into the International Paralympic Hall of Fame.

5. Jacqueline Freney

Jacqueline Freney was born on June 6th, 1992, with cerebral palsy. She competed in Paralympic swimming, representing Australia. She made her international debut in 2006 and her first Paralympic appearance was at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. At the 2012 London Paralympic Games, she broke the Australian record set by Siobhan Paton (won 6 gold medals) for the most gold won by winning a total of 8 gold medals. That was also the most won among all the other participants of the 2012 London Paralympic Games. She has won a total of 11 medals. Her involvement in the community and working with Swimming Australia as a motivational speaker for disabled individuals earned her the Young Australian of the Year Award in 2014. She was unfortunately forced to miss the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games due to an ongoing illness.

6. Ragnhild Myklebust

Ragnhild Myklebust, born on December 13th 1943, suffered from Polio from the age of 2. She holds the record for most medals won at the Winter Paralympics. She has won a total of 27 medals, 22 of them being gold. This achievement has earned her the title of Queen of the Winter Paralympics. She represents Norway and is a Nordic skier taking part in cross-country, ice sledge, biathlon, and relay races of short, medium, and long distances. Ragnhild competed at the 1988 Innsbruck, 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano and 2002 Salt Lake Winter Paralympic Games.

7. Beatrice Hess

Born on November 10th, 1961, and affected by cerebral palsy, Beatrice Hess is known as one of the best swimmers in the world. She has won 25 medals, 20 of them being gold, while representing France at the Paralympics. She has competed in the 1984 New York, 1988 Seoul, 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Summer Paralympic Games. During the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, Beatrice broke 9 world records.

8. Reinhild Möller

Reinhild Möller has won 23 medals, 19 of them being gold, during her time as an athlete in the Paralympics. She’s the only alpine skier that has ever won 19 gold medals. Reinhild was born on February 24th, 1956, and lost half of her left leg in an accident when she was 3 years old. She went on to compete as an alpine ski racer representing Germany and competes in Athletics as well. She competed at the 1980 Geilo, 1984 Stoke Mandeville & New York, 1984 Innsbruck, 1988 Innsbruck, 1988 Seoul, 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano and 2006 Torino Paralympic Winter Games.

9. Sarah Storey

Sarah Storey, born on October 26th, 1977, was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her left arm causing her left hand to be non-functional. She is British and competes in cycling and swimming at the Paralympic games. Sarah is still active and has competed in the 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio, and 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. She has won a total of 28 Paralympic medals, 17 of them being gold medals. Sarah began her career as a Paralympian in swimming, competing in swimming events, and winning 5 gold medals. She quit swimming in 2005 due to a persistent ear infection caused by chronic fatigue syndrome.

10. Jonas Jacobsson

Born on June 22nd, 1965, with disabled lower limbs, Jonas Jacobsson is a Paralympic sports shooter. He is the most successful shooter in the history of the Paralympic Games. Representing Sweden, Jonas uses a wheelchair and has won 30 medals, 17 of them being gold. He is among the most decorated Paralympians. He participated in 10 consecutive Summer Paralympic Games between 1980 and 2016; 1980 Arnhem, 1984 Stoke Mandeville & New York, 1988 Seoul, 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, and 2016 Rio. Jonas retired following his appearance at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. He was also on Sweden’s Paralympic wheelchair basketball team during the 1988 Seoul Games and played in the Swedish league in 2017.

Final Words

These Paralympians and thousands of others worldwide did not let their disabilities get in the way of achieving their athletic goals. In some cases, their disabilities inspired them to be the greatest athletes they can be. These amazing Paralympians continue to inspire people every day. Showing the world that with motivation and determination, you too can make your dreams come true.