My name is Craig Lenz. I've been a wheelchair rider for the past 22 years after breaking my back in an airplane crash. A friend suggested I put a picture of myself in my wheelchair here to give credibility that I know first hand what its like to live in a wheelchair.

But the real story here is about people who cannot walk... and don't have wheelchairs. I know what it's like to have to crawl to get where I want to go on occasion, as you can see below, but  I just can't imagine what it must be like to need and not have a wheelchair... and to have to crawl everywhere! 

In September of 2006 I first learned about the huge need for wheelchairs around the world through my church.

I was invited to get involved and help fundraise to purchase wheelchairs. 

Over the next two years I fundraised for wheelchairs in support of the largest provider of wheelchairs to developing countries and traveled to Mexico and Africa to help distribute the chairs and witness the need.

Now I've got a question to ask you...

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew that if you took action you could make a real difference but the task just seemed too big to tackle on your own? You thought to yourself, what can I do... I'm just one person.

That's the situation I found myself in when I saw the problems in "how" we were distributing these wheelchairs and the problems I knew (as a wheelchair user) that many of the receipients would soon face as a result of our "short term" thinking. 

Unfortunately the organization I was fundraising for (none of whom were wheelchair users) did not share my concerns.

So I set out to find "the better way" and others who shared my concerns. I didn't have to look far as i soon learned I was not the only one concerned with how these free wheelchairs were being given away.

That's why I'm so excited about the organization I'm about to share with you...

International Mobility Solutions

or "Solutions" for short is a consortium of quality Wheelchair manufacturers, refurbishers and supporters who share a common goal of providing "Safe and Sustainable" mobility to people with disabilities around the world who are unable to afford even the most basic of wheelchairs.

  ... and we need YOUR help!"

Taken at the International Day of the Disabled in Kigali, Rwanda

The World Health Organization estimates that less than 1 percent of the people in the world unable to walk due to accident, disease, war or advanced aging have access to a wheelchair.

This means 99 out of 100 have to rely on family or friends with complete dependence to survive.

For many this means spending countless hours alone, destined to a life that few can imagine.

For the caregivers the responsibility of needing to carry a loved one or having to watch them crawl can be unbearable.

A wheelchair for these families means independence for more than just the wheelchair user. It means new freedom and dignity for the entire family.

BUT MASS DISTRIBUTING LOW COST WHEELCHAIRS IS NOT THE ANSWER! 

For many years now several organizations have attempted with good intentions to address the huge need for wheelchairs. The focus however has become about getting the largest number of wheelchairs distributed for the least amount of money.

It's become A HUGE PROBLEM !!!

Success has been measured by how many people can get lifted off the ground with the funding available and sustainability has been something few wish to talk about.

As a result many who receive these chairs find themselves in equipment that does not fit, does not offer the safety and comfort of cushioning and with no support in terms of maintenance and repair is often unusable within 6 - 18 months.

The wheelchair shown above is being distributed in large numbers and often is unusable within the first month.

It's a plastic lawn chair with wheels!

For a donation of $51.29 these wheelchairs are being sponsored by good meaning individuals lured by the notion that because they are so cheap more people can be helped. What at first glance may appear to be a genius idea is in fact a terrible waste of money and resources not to mention a disservice and cruel disappointment to the recipients and their families. 

Keep in mind that these are not people out sitting on their patios for an hour, they are living in these chairs all day long and rely on them for their independence and mobility.

In most cases this is the first time anyone has shown interest in them and given them anything. Of course they are thankful. Of course they are excited to get off the ground and have mobility for the first time ever.

Will they be as thankful after the wheelchair breaks (and it will with no repairs available) and they lose this new found freedom of mobility? Remember the old saying "sometimes it's worse to have something and lose it ... than never to have had it at all"?

Will they be as happy when they discover a pressure sore on their buttocks that becomes infected because adequate pressure relief cushioning was not provided nor considered when designing the wheelchair?

The four truths I've learned while being involved in international wheelchair distribution that cannot be ignored.

• The type of wheelchair needed varies by disability, age and size of the user as well as the environment in which they live. The proper "type" of wheelchair provided is absolutely critical.
• A wheelchair that does not fit properly can cause severe personal harm when used over the long term.
• A wheelchair not properly cushioned can cause pressure sores that can become infected and lead to death for the user.
• A wheelchair is a mechanical device and requires regular maintenance and repairs to remain serviceable.

"Safe and Sustainable Mobility" can only be achieved when all of the above issues are addressed by the providers.

International Mobility Solutions and our partners are committed to doing just that. By selecting the right wheelchair, insuring proper fit and cushioning are provided and a support system is in place for maintaining and repairing the wheelchair... only then will we have the ability to "sustainably" change lives for the better.

Providing the right wheelchair...

Children's ROC Chair

The Whirlwind RoughRiderÔ

Refurbished Specialty Chairs

Watch and see the unique features of the
RoughRiderÔ Wheelchair in action!

So why am I so adamant about "Sustainability"? 

It was just over three years ago that I first learned about the huge need for Wheelchairs around the world. Like most people it was something that I never really thought about ... and I was a wheelchair user myself!

When I learned that I was part of the 1% of the fortunate ones that enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with having a wheelchair (contrary to the idea that I'm "confined to a wheelchair") I knew I wanted to help.

Over the next two years I fundraised to send 560 wheelchairs to Mexico and 1400 wheelchairs to Rwanda, Africa.

Before we arrived...

 and after. 

But then I had an experience that changed everything!

It was while I was in Africa that I came across a lady who had a similar wheelchair to the ones we were giving away. Our chairs were bright shiny red, hers was a sun bleached pink.

But it was not the color of the wheelchair that got my attention. It was the appearance of how hard it was for this lady to push her chair.

No bearings left in the wheel!

Rear wheel rims wrapped with old tire tubes to make a tire!

I came to discover that she received this wheelchair at a distribution earlier and had come to our event with the hopes of receiving a new wheelchair.

The rear tires had completely worn off and the rims were wrapped with old tire tubes to make a tire. The front caster tires were creatively wrapped with old belting to try and make a caster wheel. One of the front caster wheels had no bearing in the hub and was wearing through into the axle bolt!

I asked her through an interpreter how long she had had this wheelchair. She said LESS THAN TWO YEARS!

It was then that I realized what as a wheelchair user I should have known...  A wheelchair is a mechanical device and over time will break down!  It requires maintenance and regular repairs to function. 

 Without access to parts this lady was about to lose her mobility. She had no one to turn to, the factory that built the wheelchair was on the other side of the world and the tires and sealed bearings needed were not available in her country.

A MUST SEE!

 Video of the actual wheelchair in Byumba, Rwanda

Fortunately I had a new wheelchair I was able to give her... but I couldnt help but wonder... how were the others who received wheelchairs at the same time as her making out with their chairs?

How long till the new wheelchair I was giving her would go before it too needed parts that were not available!

A wheelchair without proper maintenence and access to repairs has a very limited life... and so does the freedom of mobility enjoyed by its rider!

Believe me, I've been in the EXACT same spot you're in right now...

I remember feeling really bad for the people who had to crawl on the ground and live where the snakes and rats lived... and wanting to help. 

I remember feeling discouraged that if we couldn't ensure sustainability then how could we really make a difference in the long run.

I remember how I felt when I was told by the organization I was fundraising for that it would be "cheaper to give them a new wheelchair than fix the old one"! (Which was never done except on the rare occasions when a second distribution like mine was held and someone got very lucky).

But with confidence I am telling you there is a way to do it right and sponsor wheelchairs responsibly that will be safe and can be serviced to last. 

"With the right support and planning, a truly sustainable mobility solution is possible...  and with your help we can make a difference!

The Game Plan 

Step 1

Have a wide variety of wheelchair manufacturers involved in the manufacturing and supply of the wheelchairs being distributed. Also involve the refurbishers who can provide high quality used specialty wheelchairs that have been refurbished to like new condition.

International Mobility Solutions has identified partners that share our concerns and by working together we are able to make sure the right wheelchair is given to the right person.

Step 2

Have partners in the receiving countries provide a list of the people who will be receiving the wheelchairs along with their pictures, measurements, and a description of the environment they will be using the wheelchairs in "before" they are shipped.. This ensures that the right type and size of wheelchair is brought and that only individuals who we have wheelchairs for are invited to the distribution.

It is heart breaking to have word go out that free wheelchairs are arriving.... have 300 families show up with hopes of getting one.... and only have 100 wheelchairs available. Seeing the disappointment of someone (and their families) thinking they were going to get mobility for the first time and then realize that they were not one of the "chosen ones" makes this second step paramount to organizing a distribution properly.

By requiring the presence of an in country partner with medical and physio experience to do the groundwork ensures the proper wheelchairs are selected and included in the distribution inventories.

Step 3

Have professional seating experts involved in fitting the wheelchairs when they are delivered to ensure proper adjustment and that the necessary padding and cushioning are provided to ensure safety and comfort.

Our distribution partners have a great deal of experience in the fitting of wheelchairs and use a network of volunteer professionals who at their own expense donate their time to provide seating services.

Step 4

Create a plan to provide the necessary maintenence and service needed to minimize breakdowns and repair the wheelchairs as needed.

An inventory of parts and maintenance training are critical to achieving the goal of sustainability. Organizations who receive funding through International Mobility Solutions are required to produce a maintenence plan prior to the distribution of the wheelchairs.

Step 5

Plan to return every two years to help more people and respond to the needs of those who have already received their gift of mobility. (Children grow and abilities change). 

With such a huge need in terms of the numbers of people requiring wheelchairs it is often difficult to know where to focus ones efforts. Our goal is to work with communities and establish long term relations.

So what's in this for you! 

The satisfaction of knowing you've made a difference. Not that you tried to make a difference but that you did... someones life is easier because you took action and helped.

Your donation doesn't go to research that may someday come up with a solution... it purchases equipment that goes to work and changes lives the day it arrives.

Imagine for a moment having a child who is nearing twelve years old and has never been able to walk. Imagine the challenges for the parents.

How would they ever get to school?

How would they get to church?

How would their brothers and sisters include them in play?

Now imagine a wheelchair arriving and being fit exactly to their needs.

And this was made possible by a decision you made to partner and help.

HOW DO YOU FEEL! 

As a partner with International Mobility Solutions you have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone you will likely never meet....

and experience the joy of knowing you have made a difference!

Each donor receives a picture of a wheelchair recipient who has received a wheelchair as a result of their support as well as ongoing program development reports via our newsletters.

"Straight up"...  We need your support.  

The World Health Organization estimates that there is currently a need for over 65,000,000 wheelchairs worldwide. Many of the families who need these chairs earn less than $200 a year. They need your help!

Already in place are:

- Our manufacturers, refurbishers, and distribution partners:

• Whirlwind Wheelchair International
• ROC Wheels (Reach out and Care)
• Hope Haven Ministries
• Wheels for Humanity
• Mirremex Wheelchairs

- Volunteer organizations ready to provide the documented need to begin organizing the distributions.

- Volunteer Physio and Occupational Therapists and Wheelchair Seating specialists who will volunteer their time and travel expenses to attend the distribution events to ensure proper fitting is provided.

- Ongoing maintenence and repair programs to ensure sustainability and long term freedom of mobility.

International Mobility Solutions relies on the funding of donors like you to help us serve the more than 65 million people needing our help. Giving the gift of mobility as a supporting partner of Solutions will be both a joy to you and a blessing to the recipients.

So you're asking yourself... how can I help? How can I get involved? 

Four things you can do to help right now.

1. Tell others about our website and the huge need for wheelchairs around the world. 
2. Tell anyone you know who is involved in fundraising for wheelchairs about the need for sustainability. NO MORE PLASTIC LAWNCHAIRS!!!!!
3. Help us grow our International Maintenance Programs with a donation by clicking the donate link below.
4. Set a goal of helping to sponsor a wheelchair over the coming year. Share this website with family members and make it a family gift.

Right now we really need help funding our maintenance programs. These funds go towards purchasing and shipping tires, tubes, wheels, bearings, upholstery and specialty parts to keep the growing fleet of sponsored wheelchairs rolling.

It costs approximately $300 to sponsor and deliver a wheelchair.

$50 in repairs can triple its useful life cycle.

Please help us make these wheelchairs and the freedom they provide last.

If you wish to sponsor a wheelchair in partnership with International Mobility Solutions and our partners click the Contact Us link at the top of this webpage and we will send you an information package on current projects and how you can become a wheelchair sponsor.

Click on our Partner Profiles link at the top of this website to learn more about the tremendous organizations we work with.

Your support is needed and greatly appreciated!

PS.  Over 1,000,000 wheelchairs have been sponsored in the past 10 years by organizations that do not provide maintenance and repair programs.

This means that for many their wheelchairs are no longer functioning. The individual again faces the isolation that results from losing their mobility. Some may just need new tires or wheels; others may be in need of bearings or upholstery.

The Maintenance Fund is used exclusively to keep donated wheelchairs rolling as well as funds the supply of parts for wheelchair repair clinics that are held at many distribution events.

PSS. You may be wondering why I'm rallying so strong against the plastic lawn chair. After all if it's such a bad idea wont that become self evident and it will just go away? The fact is the user doesn't get to choose which chair they get and the organization markets the need so well...  donors are touched by their message and want to help. I believe if their donors knew all the problems this chair creates, they would make different choices. I want people to know there is a better way to help.

The organization has set a goal of distributing 20 million of their plastic wheelchairs over the next 10 years. At $50 each that's $1 billion of donated money wasted that could have been used to provide "Sustainable Mobility Solutions"!