Physical Health Mexico Project #47171

Disability Equipment for Mexican Children

by Rotary Club of Cannock

Disability Equipment for Mexican Children

Summary

Therapies Unite provide individualised postural assessments for children with severe physical disabilities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, maximising quality of life and promoting the development of independence. Your donation goes towards running this specialist service, which includes an individualised assessment from a physiotherapist, provision of a specialist wheelchair and postural equipment, a home exercise program and training and support for families/carers and staff.

$30,000
total goal

$21,020
remaining

97
donors

0
monthly donors

2
fundraisers

3
years

Challenge

There are 9.17 million people living with a disability in Mexico, 45% live in poverty. There is a lack of education, understanding, funding and services to support the disabled community. Children who do not have access to therapy and basic equipment, such as a wheelchair, often develop severe deformities and associated health problems, which in turn limit their life expectancy. They become isolated and denied basic human rights, such as an education, a job and being part of family life.

Solution

To maximise independence, quality of life and health in children with severe physical disabilities we need to focus on access to specialist assessment, training and equipment. Our Posture Care Service includes individual assessments and provision of wheelchairs/specialist postural equipment. In order to develop a sustainable service we run training courses for families/carers and healthcare professionals to increase awareness and develop postural assessment and treatment skills.

Long-Term Impact

Children who receive the right equipment and support will have improved physical health and life expectancy, increased independence and access to an education, better integration into society and improved quality of life. A focus on training and education for local families and health care professionals ensures that changes are long lasting and sustainable. The project will benefit some 250 children and their families, 100 support workers and 50 physiotherapists.