Frontiers of Engineering Reports on Leading-Edge Engineering from the 2005 Symposium (2006) / Chapter Skim
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Challenges in the Implementation of Appropriate Technology Projects: The Case of the DISACARE Wheelchair Center in Zambia
Challenges in the Implementation of Appropriate Technology Projects: The Case of the DISACARE Wheelchair Center in Zambia
Pages 37-44
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From page 37... ...
Isn't it astounding that God would lead us to a new manufacturer with an innovative approach to our design needs? From the Free Wheelchair Mission's Website, June 2005 The statement above summarizes a major challenge faced by DISACARE1 Wheelchair Centre in Zambia, an organization that fabricates various models of wheelchairs.
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From page 38... ...
in southern Africa, Zambia, where support for particularly disadvantaged groups is provided mostly by informal family networks and NGOs, remains highly dependent on the international donor community for support of social-investment schemes. In fact, for most sub-Saharan African countries, official national disability policies are either nonexistent or have not been implemented.
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From page 39... ...
Products DISACARE currently provides a number of locally built mobility-aid products, including: the Kavuluvulu, a standard folding wheelchair outfitted especially for Africa; a tricycle wheelchair, which is specially designed for long distance journeys; a cerebral palsy (CP) wheelchair, which has cushions and tray tables for CP users; and a sports wheelchair, which is specially designed for outdoor sports, such as basketball.
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From page 40... ...
The basic DISACARE wheelchair costs $280, is locally repairable, and lasts from two to five years, with proper maintenance. Although this seems inexpensive compared to a typical folding wheelchair, which costs $500 to $1,000 in the United States or Europe, many aid organizations prefer to donate cheaper Chinese-made wheelchairs, although they often have poor ergonomics, are not suitable for local conditions, and have a short life (six months to two years)
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From page 41... ...
As a result, the DISACARE staff not only understands the needs of people with disabilities, but also is adept at running day-today operations. TABLE 2 Capacity Building Year Specialty Comments 1991-1997 Prothetist FMD volunteer 1993 Wheelchair designer WWI paid consultant 1997 Wheelchair sports FMD paid consultant 1997-2001 Wheelchair designer WWI paid consultant 1997-present Wheelchair designer WWI paid consultant 2001, 2004 Product designer DEKA volunteer 1999-2001 Administration/Fundraising VSO volunteer 2002 Administration/Fundraising VSO volunteer 2002 Accounting VSO volunteer Source: DISACARE, 2004.
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From page 42... ...
Wheeling wheels project 2003 FMD $8,000 Capital, building, shop upgrade 2003 Barclays Bank $400 Machine tools 2004 FMD $1,000 Vehicles TOTAL $182,680 Source: DISACARE , 2004. TABLE 4 Current Assets, December 2003 Item Value Land $25,000 Buildings $80,000 Sports toilets $2,500 Basketball court $2,000 Inventory $12,000 Containers $4,000 Machinery $30,000 Office equipment $10,000 Cash $7,000 Furniture $2,000 Vehicles $7,500 TOTAL $182,000 Source: DISACARE, 2004.
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From page 43... ...
2003. Growth and Development: With Special Reference to Developing Countries.
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