Free Wheelchair Mission Has Given Away Nearly 500,000 Free Wheelchairs to Those in Need
August 15, 2010 by Luc
Filed under Articles and Stories, Inspiring Disability Stories
Free Wheelchair Mission was founded in 1999 by Don Schoendorfer, who has a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, after he was inspired by the sight of a physically disabled woman in Morocco crawling across a dirt road. It certainly adds a challenge to life when you have a mobility disability. But setting that aside, the people who are physically challenged living in the more developed countries – like myself – may in some regard consider themselves lucky compared to those living in the poorer countries where access to the most basic wheelchair is practically non-existent.
Don took note of that unfairness and came up with the idea of creating a simple, durable and inexpensive wheelchair that would be distributed free to those in need on a non-discriminatory basis. As you can see from the picture, the wheelchairs are made using bicycle wheels and a cheap plastic patio chair. Now, how ingenious is that?
The cost of one wheelchair is around $60.00. That is hardly anything when you think of the huge difference that one of these chairs can make in the life of someone in need, whose alternative would be to crawl across the dirt or being moved around in a wheelbarrow. So far Free Wheelchair Mission has given away nearly half a million wheelchairs in 77 
developing countries.
One of my favorite anecdotes confirming what a difference this wheelchair can make is a story I read in the Los Angeles Times. It’s about a 5-year-old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The boy lived in an orphanage for disabled children, where he spent most of his time lying on the floor except for trips to the bathroom. A week after the boy was given his new chair, the Free Wheelchair Mission representative who delivered the wheelchair was heading to the airport when he caught a glimpse of something familiar on the side of the street. It was a wheelchair. The little boy was in it being pushed by an older boy who was running. The boys were laughing.
Don, keep up the great work!
To learn more about the Free Wheelchair Mission, visit their website at http://www.freewheelchairmission.org
I would like to the prices for wheelchairs for handicapped persons in conflict.
I am CIMIC dealing with humanitarian assistance in Mogadishu-Somalia.
i also would like the info on the “free wheelchairs” i have a client that recently had to live in a wheelchair he is a single father of a 14 yr old girl that cant seem to get any help. He has lived a hard life and has worked in mostly labor work dropped out at the age of 17 had to find full time work to take care of his daughter. He was injuried on the job 4yrs now big settlement check no child support has two insurances that will not pay anything it seems. He says it would have been better for him not to have not made it! I am not employed to take care of him. I was until those funds stopped also. I am very angery at the system for failing this man. I jus think he needs some kind of break. So kind of hope! Please get back if you can thanks
I ment to say no big settlement check no big pay out jus bills that keep on coming in with now income to speak of jus enought to pay his rent and utilities. In fact the person who caused his accident is sueing him for damages! They lose a car. He lost this way of life or should u say his life.
Hi Evette,
You can find a link to the website of the organization that builds these wheelchairs at the bottom of the article.
Am happy again to come across Free-wheel mission am working with people with disabilities here in Uganda Jinja and many disabled people have a very big problem with their mobility is there a way that Jinja and Uganda at larger share of that blessing.
Paul
Am happy again to come across Free-wheel mission am working with people with disabilities here in Uganda Jinja and many disabled people have a very big problem with their mobility is there a way that Jinja and Uganda at larger share of that blessing.And if so what can i do to get wheel chairs here for the needy group.
Paul
Just saw the story on CBS News – but could not find any information on their website. Did, however, find you on google. Congratulations on doing such a wonderful job for those who are less fortunate and cannot help themselves. How can we volunteer? You are amazing. God Bless You!!
I thank the donor of wheel chairs to people in Africa.i live an agricultural zone in rural ukwa East,Abia state Nigeria n had a car accident sustaining a spine injury in my thorasic region.i ve 4 kids n now sits on d wheel chair.i need assistance to buy a Rex system bionic robot n a standing type wheel chair .please a mobility aid wil help change my life for d better.do help me.
Chijioke Duziem Iroakazi Abia ADP Aba,7 constitution Crescent,Aba Nigeria.email;yapod3@yahoo.com tel +234 806 802 6052
i would like to know how i go about getting me daughter a free wheelchair. My 16 yr old daughter is disabled and is in desperate need of a wheelchair. Her mother is currently not working and i am on a fixed income. Its hard enough not being in the household and not being able to attend to my daughter needs as i want, but i try to do the best i can with want i have. I may not have nnthe finances, but i give the love and time she needs. Please give me info on who to contact. She currently is getting social security disability.
I need a wheelchair so I get go out, can you help Me. Thing you Name is Tonya King , you call me at 313-808-2786
Yes, My cousin’s daughter Tina Cucurella has lupas, she has moved back to Pembroke ,ga for her mother to take care of her. She has no money and Doesn’t have a wheel chair..She has Lupus and cannot hardly walk .She is so tiny..If There is anyway someone can help her get a wheel chair? She doesn’t know I am writin this. Her Grandmother my Aunt is in the hospital with TTP and Is not doing so well. This could really help the family.
Thank you so much.. And she doesn’t know I am writing this letter.
Sincerely,
Debra Simons
912-988-3527
I am a Bangladeshi wheelchair woman person. can I get a wheelchair?