Free Wheelchair Mission

By: Ana RodriguezSeptember 30, 2010

About the Foundation Started in 1977, when Don Shoendorfer and his

wife, Laurie, traveled to Morocco and saw a woman dragging herself across the street in order to beg.

Don knew he could design a wheelchair that would be rugged, stable and most importantly, affordable.

In 2001, he took 4 prototypes to India, it was immediately clear this new type of wheelchair could be the source of mobility for millions

Mission

Our mission is to provide the transforming gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ.

The Goal Our goal is to transform the quality of life not

only for the affected individual, but for families, neighborhoods and communities in economically disadvantaged areas of developing nations around the world.

THE W

HEELCH

AIR

Plastic chair Mountain bike tires Castors Steel frame $59.20

Inputs

The development team collaborates and coordinates with a number of ongoing support and fundraising effort.

We fundraise to ship a wheelchair to where ever is needed around the world.

We focus to serve and care for those around the world regardless of race, religion, culture, or gender

Process

Develop a basic wheelchair Manufacture it in bulk at the absolute lowest

cost Place it efficiently as possible in the least

served areas of the globe Deliver a wheelchair to as many people as

possible for no cost or obligation

Outputs

We reduce suffering by sharing the gift of mobility with the world’s disadvantaged and disabled.

Aggrandize the help for unfortunate homeless people

We don’t only help the one’s in need but we also help their families too

Outcomes a wheelchair gifts an

individual with not only life-transforming mobility, but with independence, dignity, and hope.

empowering a disabled person lifts not only the individual, but also families and communities.

Outcomes (continued)

521,300 wheelchairs in production & shipped 77 countries now have the gift of mobility

Need in the Community

The need of a wheelchair in third world countries is tremendous. It improves mobility for many unlucky people considered destitute.

We Build people’s self-esteem to be stronger We lessen the chances of seeing people

dragging themselves across the street. Decreases the possibilities of getting diseases

from the filthy streets.

How does this link to Critical Thinking?

The Free Wheelchair Mission has to think about how to reach out to people appropriately

We have to organize to evince all the fundraisers and events that take place for the community to see that this is for a good cause

We have to evaluate how many chairs are going around the world and who needs the chair the most

How does this link to Critical Action?

We are helping the people improve their self esteem by giving them this special gift

We influence families to have hope for the people in need of the chair in draconian situations

We are traveling all around the world delivering the chair for the people that need it the most

Independent Living Institute

The Independent Living Institute is a policy development center specializing in consumer driven policies for disabled peoples freedom of choice, self determination, self respect & dignity.

Goal is to promote disabled people’s personal and political disabilities in Sweden and internationally.

Free Wheelchair Mission Independent Living Institute

Transforms lives through the gift of mobility

Reaches out to people with disabilities in need to increase confidence and self-respect

Embracing core concepts of service to the poor, cultural collaboration, spirituality, and respect for the dignity of all mankind

Promotes the opportunities of persons with disabilities to gain more personal and political power and self-determination

A movement of people with disabilities who work for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect

Get Involved

Make a donation Spread the word on any

social network Participate in

fundraisers Athletes can participate

in any race while raising awareness and funds.

Thank You!!!