A wheelchair is one of the most essential assistive devices for personal mobility, enabling individuals to live with dignity, enjoy their human rights, and actively participate in society. For many people, a wheelchair serves as the first crucial step toward inclusion allowing users to study, work, engage in cultural activities, and access healthcare services.
However, developing countries like Nepal lack domestic wheelchair manufacturing, meaning individuals with disabilities rely heavily on donated wheelchairs distributed by national and international NGOs. Unfortunately, these donations are frequently ill-fitted and unsuited to Nepal’s rugged topography. Compounding this challenge is a lack of maintenance infrastructure, as wheelchairs much like automobiles require periodic servicing and replacement.
To address these challenges, we have established a dedicated wheelchair maintenance project in Nepal, supervised by Mr. Tek Bahadur Budhathoki. The project aims to:
Build local technical manpower and provide essential wheelchair services.
Offer caregivers vital awareness, health support, and assistance.
Regularly service and maintain assistive devices to enhance users' independence, safety, and human rights.
Repairing roughly 20 wheelchairs each quarter, this initiative plays a vital role in improving mobility and the overall quality of life for wheelchair users in Nepal.