Introducing Our New Wheelchair Configuration Page

Tanzania, like many other places, has been grappling with the challenge of reshaping perceptions and attitudes towards disability. In many parts of the country, disability is widely seen as the result of witchcraft or sin. Many people avoid seeking out the tools they need to manage their disability because doing so admits to themselves and the world that their disability is real. This makes assistive devices a badge of shame to some people. 

At the heart of our mission as an organization is the determination to change this narrative. When we deliver an assistive device, we want it to feel like an exciting time, analogous to getting a brand new bicycle on Christmas. 

In places like Tanzania, people with disabilities have grown accustomed to severely limited choices for the care and opportunities they have access to. In particular, decisions about assistive technology are generally made for them without much consideration for their unique needs and preferences. This lack of autonomy can be frustrating and disheartening, as it further reinforces the notion that their choices and voices are secondary.

This is why we have always made it a point to ask our users for a preference on the color and fabric of their wheelchairs when we assess them. It is a small but important reminder that they should have autonomy in the way they handle their disability.

Today we’re taking this small step much further by introducing our Wheelchair Configuration Page. This tool lets people “design” their own wheelchair on the spot with our assessors. This means that people will be actively involved in selecting the features and specifications of their wheelchair. By including them in this process, we hope to foster a sense of ownership and pride in their assistive device.

While we are very excited about the Wheelchair Configuration Page it is just one step in a much longer journey. Changing deeply ingrained societal attitudes requires persistent effort and collaboration. Through initiatives like this, we aspire to foster a society where assistive devices are not only tools for mobility but also symbols of strength, individuality, and empowerment.

We encourage everyone to play with the Wheelchair Configuration tool! You may learn a bit about wheelchairs, and find your own favorite configuration!