Wheelchairs for Kids

Using experts in the field, the WHO has produced comprehensive and detailed guidelines for wheelchair design suitability, strength testing and the necessity of fitting to the recipient by trained distributors. A poorly fitted wheelchair can cause harm, whereas proper fitting along with bodily support can greatly improve health and well being.

Accordingly, the Rotary club of Scarborough, completely agreeing with the WHO guidelines and realising that in this case, it is erroneous to say that something is better than nothing, directed Wheelchairs for Kids to cease production of its popular sturdy wheelchair and to conform to these new guidelines. It is of note that these guidelines have since been adopted by AusAid.

Tony Blackmore, one of our retiree volunteers with a background in project management, was appointed to lead a team of our volunteers with workshop skills, to produce a conforming prototype. This has been carried out using input from an experienced “Motivation” wheelchair engineer.

Wheelchairs for Kids now has a wheelchair not only conforming to the WHO guidelines for wheelchairs supplied to under-resourced countries, but that is also particularly suitable for children. It has many areas of adjustment, length and width and angle of seat, position of wheels to adjust the centre of gravity, the height and position of individual footrests and also has many provisions for fitting restraints for children with little bodily control. The cushion is of special multi-layered foam, the rubber tyres have polyurethane foam puncture proof tubes and the sub frame is now made of steel for added strength.

The University of WA Engineering Department took on the project of building and donating the test equipment required to meet the Guidelines specified strength, durability and stability of the wheelchair. This equipment would be worth at least $10,000.

Being a completely voluntary organisation, with rent provided by the State Government, overheads by the Rotary Club of Scarborough and with support of the Christian Brothers, Wheelchairs for Kids has been able to say that $100 provides a child with a wheelchair. Our new but much improved wheelchair will probably cost 25% more, but this is the first increase in 10 years and is still a small sum to change the life of a child.