Abstract
Many people affected by disability require assistive devices, particularly mobility aids, in order to live independently and fully integrate into their communities. Throughout the world, numerous methods have been implemented in facilitating the provision of these devices to people affected by disabilities. This case study intends use the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development Wheelchair Project, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to evaluate the viability and efficacy of mobility-provision programs which adapt wheelchairs and other assistive devices not originally intended for the end user. Programs which must “retro-adapt” equipment, like the Wheelchair Project, rely heavily on medical and mechanical expertise to identify the recipients’ needs and safely modify the device accordingly. By examining the distribution statistics from the Wheelchair Project over its 20 years of operation and the needs of the disability community reported by the National Statistics Office of Thailand alongside a cost-benefit analysis of the declared value provided versus operational cost, this case-study systematically details the scope and financial viability of this approach. While not without constraints, this model succeeds in effectively capitalizing on available resources (both in regard to physical equipment as well as professional expertise) to meet the needs of those affected by disabilities in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Although still limited in size and reach, the Wheelchair Project demonstrably shows its viability and the potential this approach presents given the right circumstances.
Highlights
The RICD Wheelchair Project was established in 1999 under the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development with the mission to provide equipment to people affected by disabilities who did not have access or means to acquire wheelchairs or other aids that met their needs
Data shows that postural support and the proper use of mobility-aid-type assistive devices offers numerous benefits to the user and the community at large through the increased activity level that comes with independence, which has been clearly linked to better overall health, (Ploeg, Beek, Van Der Woude, & Mechelen, 2004; Barks, 2004) coordination, (Rochat, 1992) improved socialization and overall attitude
In 2012 it was reported that approximately 297,003 individuals in Thailand were in need of assistive devices out of the total population affected by disabilities (1,478,662 or 2.17% of the total population). (Thailand National Statistics Office, 2014) 5 years later, at the survey interval, 557,397 individuals reported being in need of assistive devices out of the 3,694,379 individuals surveyed with a disability, or 5.5% of the total population. (Thailand National Statistics Office, 2020) During this same 2012-2017 interval, the Wheelchair Project recorded an overall growth of 39.56% for assistive devices provided
Summary
The RICD Wheelchair Project was established in 1999 under the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development with the mission to provide equipment to people affected by disabilities who did not have access or means to acquire wheelchairs or other aids that met their needs. Those involved with the Wheelchair Project’s initial undertaking could not have predicted the demand for this type of program, nor fully appreciate the complexity and effort providing a properly fit wheelchair entail. The WHO estimates that governments lose approximately 6.7% of their GDP due to the ~80% unemployment rate of individuals affected by disabilities and their lack
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
