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What is Whirlwind's connection to San Francisco State University?
Whirlwind was established at San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 1989 as a program of the Engineering Department. In 2004 Whirlwind moved to the San Francisco Urban Institute, which is also a part of SFSU. In 2006, the Urban Institute changed its name to the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement
Q. Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. The San Francisco State University Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) organization, acts as Whirlwind's fiscal agent. Checks and credit card payments may be made out directly to Whirlwind Wheelchair or to the SFSU Foundation with an earmark for Whirlwind.
Q. Do you collect and refurbish wheelchairs for donation to people in underdeveloped countries?
No. Imported chairs in developing countries often break in a relatively short time under the stresses of the more rugged conditions prevalent there, and people who have an imported wheelchair usually have a hard time finding replacement parts. Local production also provides jobs, which are quite often filled by people with disabilities.
Q. Do you make wheelchairs in the United States?
No. Whirlwind designs wheelchairs for manufacture in developing countries. The only chairs we build in the United States are prototypes as part of our design process.
Q. Do you own the factories and shops that produce Whirlwinds?
No. We act only as technical advisors in helping existing wheelchair manufacturers to add an additional product line or to help disability organizations set up their own small shops. We have no ownership interest nor do we receive interest payments on loans.
Q. Do you patent your new designs?
No. In order to keep the price of wheelchairs at their lowest, and to encourage other manufacturers to adopt better designs, all our designs are placed in the public domain.
Q. Can I buy a wheelchair from you?
No, but we can recommend a shop that produces Whirlwind style wheelchairs.
Q. I will be traveling to a developing country and want to bring a wheelchair with me. Can you give me one?
Although our preference would be for you to purchase a wheelchair from a local wheelchair manufacturer in your destination country, if you are looking for a free wheelchair we suggest you contact Wheels for Humanity in Los Angeles, California.
Q. Do you take donations of used wheelchairs?
Usually we do not take donations of used wheelchairs, even if they are in excellent condition. However, if you can email us a picture of the chair we can let you know if we can use it. If we can't use it, we recommend you donate it to a local charity or to Wheels for Humanity.
Q. How can I learn to build wheelchairs?
You can take our class. The class meets once a week for 16 weeks twice a year, in the Fall and Spring semesters. You'll find the information you need to sign up for our next class at http://www.whirlwindwheelchair.org/getinvolved.htm.
Q. I want to set up a wheelchair shop in a developing country. Where do I start?
We recommend you take our wheelchair building class. Or, if you have some experience already and would like to volunteer to work in a wheelchair shop in a developing country in order to learn what to do, we may be able to help you make arrangements. If you have funds to support a new or existing wheelchair shop, contact Marc Krizack, Whirlwind's Director of Operations.
Q. Is it possible for me to go with you on one of your work trips?
Yes. Qualified volunteers are welcome to participate with us. If you are interested, go to http://www.whirlwindwheelchair.org/getinvolved.htm, fill out the Volunteer Interest Form, and send it back to us by snail mail or as an e-mail attachment. If you are just interested in tagging along to see what we do and give us a hand, we can accommodate you provided you pay the actual costs of the trip plus a small administrative fee.
Q. Do you have a program to place either short or long-term volunteers in wheelchair shops in developing countries?
No. However, sometimes, as part of an ongoing project, we need a qualified person on-site for a few months at a time. If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer interest form. Please note that these are usually paid positions.
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