disabilities

Mykola Ruban an internally displaced person and wheelchair user from Ukraine received support from United Cerebral Palsy Wheels to pursue a new skill and give back to his community.

Ms. Wongkham Seepanya, a Vientiane-based pediatric physical therapist at the Center for Medical Rehabilitation (CMR), attended a two-month Occupational Therapy Training at Khon Kaen University (KKU), supported by the USAID-funded World Education TEAM Project.

As the only qualified doctor specializing in medical rehabilitation in Lao PDR, Associate Professor Dr. Bouathep Phoumindr is passionate about mentoring the next generation of doctors in physical medicine.

Vieng Xaiyasin, a nurse from Mahosot Hospital attended a training held by World Education Laos, to help support cleft lip and palate surgery patients improve their speech. 

Sengdueane Phommy, or Lah as he is more commonly known, is a physical therapist at the Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang, Laos. Lah has been involved in the care and rehabilitation of many inspiring cases at the hospital.

Nine-year-old Vanessa was diagnosed with viral meningitis after suffering from a very high fever and convulsions. Her aunt heard about the TEAM project and immediately registered her. The TEAM project is implemented through a grant awarded under APC, by World Vision, who will enable more than 1,900 people with disabilities including victims of war, especially women and girls, to attain and maintain maximum independence.

Gillian, a visually impaired 41-year-old, found out that she was HIV-positive when her family insisted that she go to the doctor because she was losing weight at a rapid rate. For 3 years she shut herself away from her family and friends, never disclosing her status to anyone. One day she decided to tell a classmate who happened to be a social worker at Lifeline Counselling Services (LCS) and enrolled Gillian in a People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and AIDS support group at LCS.

Through a grant awarded under Advancing Partners & Communities (APC), UCP Wheels for Humanity increases the availability of appropriate wheelchair products to eligible organizations in less resourced settings through a consortium of wheelchair suppliers. The project, Consolidating Logistics for Assistive Technology Supply and Provision (CLASP), develops a vertically integrated system for wheelchair procurement and fulfillment with the objectives of increased responsiveness, broadened market access and efficient allocation of resources for wheelchair providers and suppliers. 

Founded in 1996, UCP Wheels for Humanity increases access to mobility for children, teens and adults with physical disabilities in developing countries. Their goal is to make strategic investments in communities that leverage existing capacities and empower local stakeholders.

Through a grant awarded under Advancing Partners & Communities, the University of Pittsburgh is developing the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) which will be a self-sustained network of international and regional partners dedicated to the professionalization of wheelchair (WC) services around the world.

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