A Catalyst Sparks Change.
That's what ATCatalyst is all about.
AT Catalyst makes connections between AT manufacturers, distributors, training programs, and funders for hospitals and service providers to enable appropriate Assistive Technology to bring hope to adults and children with disabilities in low resource settings in Africa and Asia.
The Compelling Need
In many cultures, disability is viewed as a curse. Families of people with disabilities often feel ashamed—as if they had done something wrong. Disabled people feel isolated and rejected. When disabled children grow too large to be carried, they are frequently left on the floor in a back room of their dwelling or sent out to beg on the streets.
The Invitation
Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
The Opportunity
You can show that you care. You can help bring life-changing hope to a disabled person.
Share a chair
Respond to the Need for Functional Wheelchairs
The World Health Organization says “An estimated 1% of the world's population, or just over 65 million people, need a wheelchair. In most developing countries, few of those who need wheelchairs have access.”
With an appropriate wheelchair, a disabled person can attend school and can participate in family and community events.
Get it there
The Need
Many great organizations help to provide wheelchairs, but often, shipping is still an issue. Some organizations ask people to help sponsor a chair, and some help with shipping costs to the point of entry in the receiving country. But virtually none provide for the shipping costs from the port to the destination in the receiving country.
Your gifts can help to make sure wheelchairs are actually received by the people who need them.
With local care
Local Hospitals Need a Wheelchair Supply
The number of people needing wheelchairs is far greater than the available supply. In resource-challenged settings, when people who need wheelchairs cannot get them, the consequences can be severe. Feelings of isolation are further complicated by health problems due to lack of movement and needed medical care and therapy.
Local Skilled Services are Needed
Wheelchairs need to be fitted to individual users, and wheelchair users need continued, lifelong help from medical professionals and technicians. This help is especially important for growing children.
Wheelchairs break down and need to be replaced or repaired by skilled technicians. Therapists are needed to teach people how to use wheelchairs safely and well. In some cases, skilled wound care specialists are needed to treat the ulcers that people in wheelchairs may experience.
Luke is a therapist at Kijabe hospital and at Joy Town. He describes the need for a supply of wheelchairs and local skilled professionals in this video with Karen:
ATCatalyst will be working to connect wheelchair suppliers with faith-based hospitals. We will also be helping to facilitate the hiring and training of skilled technicians, therapists, and other professionals to give disabled people the help they need.
Where HOPE is shared
We want to be a spark for hope by connecting resources to need.
We already have connections with many suppliers and other resource organizations. More are being developed! We're excited about the future—bringing good news and hope that can change lives forever!
Will you join us in being a catalyst for hope? Please consider joining our support team and giving to the ATCatalyst project.
