Wheels for the World

Five members of the Hardin-Simmons University Physical Therapy faculty spent spring break in Nairobi, Kenya, serving those with disabilities. In conjunction with Joni & Friends, International, and their Wheels for the World ministry, the team taught 23 participants from seven African countries how to modify and adapt wheelchairs for those without mobility. Following the day and a half of classroom instruction and lab, the entire team conducted a Wheels for the World distribution.

(L to R) Dr. Wendy Anemaet, Dr. Joe McCormick, Dr. Dennis O’Connell, Dr. Janelle O’Connell, Dr. Beth Schaeffer

The HSU team was composed of Drs. Wendy Anemaet, Joe McCormick, Dennis and Janelle O’Connell, and Beth Schaeffer. The participants were composed of physical and occupational therapists, mechanics, and other personnel who could conduct or organize a wheelchair distribution from the countries of Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Madagascar, Uganda, and Kenya.

During the weeklong event, 180 patients were served, including the adaptation of 136 wheelchairs and the distribution of 12 walkers, 29 pairs of crutches, and nine canes. Patients ranged in age from early childhood who were typically born with a disability such as cerebral palsy, physical and mental developmental delays, or Downs Syndrome. Elderly patients typically had experienced disability associated with aging, dementia, or falls and now required the use of a wheelchair for safety. Modification of pediatric wheelchairs typically takes three or more hours and may require head and trunk support associated with postural alignment, the addition of adductor pads, chest straps, and seatbelts, and modification to footrests. Patient and family education on range of motion activities, proper sleeping positions, and how to safely utilize the chair on challenging terrains was provided.

Dr. Janelle O’Connell shared the story of a 12-year-old girl who had spent most of her life in her mother’s lap or lying in bed. The child was unable to hold her head up or move her arms or legs independently. As a result, if her head was not supported, the child often choked on her own saliva. The loving and caring mother had no family or community support, and therefore, the child’s care consumed her daily activities. She rarely left home. The mother was deeply afraid to leave the child for even a minute by herself. The emotional and physical burden weighed heavily on the mother. After modifying a wheelchair which would provide appropriate support for the child and free the mother to do some of her own daily tasks, the family of two left with a brighter future, which included more outings, sitting at a table together, allowing mom to more easily feed the child, and the opportunity to attend church together.