Indonesia is one of the poorest and most disaster prone countries in the world with tsunamis, earthquakes, and 155 volcanoes - like the Merapi volcano that swept away the village of Cangkringan last fall. According to the World Health Organization, there are 6.4 million children with disabilities in Indonesia and at least as many adults. Even though there are many schools, most … [Read more...] about Wheelchairs and New Production in Indonesia
Articles
Example of ISO Standard Tests
A Whirlwind II wheelchair, shown in the photograph, was built by a factory in Quang Ngai, Vietnam. It was first subjected to the tests described in "Simplified Strength Testing of Manual Wheelchairs in Developing Countries." A few minor strength problems were identified and corrected. The chair was then submitted to the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System - University of … [Read more...] about Example of ISO Standard Tests
Simplified Strength Testing of Manual Wheelchairs
Many small manufacturers of wheelchairs throughout the world's developing countries do not have the resources and technical background to test their products for safety and durability. This paper suggests some essential tests which they can easily perform. The tests are based on fifteen years of experience with the Whirlwind type wheelchairs (which are manufactured and used in … [Read more...] about Simplified Strength Testing of Manual Wheelchairs
Children’s Chairs in Haiti
The need for children’s wheelchairs in Haiti is great. Our contacts on the ground tell us that even with all the aid pouring in there’s very little for kids with disabilities. Vladimir, who meets Ralf, Whirlwind’s founder, in this video about our Haiti project in the summer of 2010, lost his mother and sustained a spinal cord injury in the earthquake. We encountered other … [Read more...] about Children’s Chairs in Haiti
The Importance of User Choice for Cost-Effective Wheelchair Provision in Low Income Countries
by Marc Krizack, J.D., Executive Director Whirlwind Wheelchair International at San Francisco State University The limited success of free market mechanisms in wheelchair provision in low income countries requires a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained intervention by governments, charities, and development agencies working in close collaboration with the organized … [Read more...] about The Importance of User Choice for Cost-Effective Wheelchair Provision in Low Income Countries