Welcome to Worldmade.info

Worldmade is a global programme to help organisations establish or upgrade wheelchair service provision through the supply of appropriate mobility products and training of wheelchair service personnel.

The main features of Worldmade include: • Supply of a range of appropriate, size adjustable wheelchairs in quantities to meet organisational needs • Training courses on wheelchair clinical and technical skills • Support and advice on wheelchair service set up and management

People with a disability have the right to good quality “assistive devices and equipment to assist them to increase their level of independence in their daily living and to exercise their rights” (UN Standard Rules on the equalisation of opportunities for persons with a disability)

In low-income countries and areas of recent conflict wheelchair users face the following challenges:
• Insufficient wheelchairs available: it is estimated that there are 20 million people in the world who need a wheelchair but do not have one;
• Locally available or donated wheelchairs are often inappropriate for the physical environment;
• Lack of services where wheelchair users can receive professional advice to choose their wheelchair, have it fitted properly for their requirements and learn how to use it;
• Lack of choice in wheelchair products: ‘one size’ or ‘one type’ of wheelchair does not meet every wheelchair user’s needs;
• Limited financial resources to pay for wheelchairs or services.

Wheelchair services

In accordance with the WHO Guidelines on the provision of Manual Wheelchairs in less resourced settings, Worldmade aims to increase access for wheelchair users to good quality wheelchairs and professional wheelchair services. This is achieved through:
• Delivery of Fit for Life training packages, to train local staff in the clinical and technical skills required for wheelchair provision.
• Supply of Worldmade wheelchairs and mobility products shipped in flat-pack kit form for local assembly and fitting
• Technical support to local organisations (NGOs, INGOs and governments) to establish or upgrade existing wheelchair service facilities.

Fit for Life training

A basic level wheelchair training package is available for personnel working in less resourced settings who may not necessarily have undergone qualified professional training. The training addresses the skills gap where knowledge of appropriate wheelchairs, wheelchair users’ needs, assessment and prescription processes and technical wheelchair skills may be limited. More advanced level training courses are also available.

Worldmade wheelchairs

Worldmade consists of a range of wheelchairs and mobility devices. The products are designed by Motivation’s technical team who have had years of experience of appropriate wheelchair design and production in less resourced settings. The current models are manufactured in China. Some of the products are available now and more will be introduced in 2009/10.

 

	Worldmade Rough Terrain The Worldmade Rough Terrain wheelchair (WM3) is adjustable to four different sizes. It has a large front wheel to assist with pushing over rough ground and three wheels to provide good stability. Made of steel with locally repairable parts it comes flat packed ready for assembly. The WM3 has been in production since 2005 and is being distributed worldwide.
	Worldmade Active Folding The Worldmade Active Folding wheelchair (WM4X) is designed for use in urban and semi-urban environments. It is adjustable to four different sizes and is suitable for more active users who wish to have a more portable product. Pressure relieving cushions are supplied with both the WM3 and WM4X. The WM4X will be available in the first quarter of 2009.
	Worldmade Sport The Worldmade Sport is a low cost wheelchair that will help develop sports in less resourced settings. It is designed to be suitable for wheelchair tennis and also meets current wheelchair basketball regulations. It will be available in the second quarter of 2009.

Worldmade Lite

The Worldmade Lite (WM4L) is a four wheel folding chair that is also size adjustable and provides a cost-effective solution when a wheelchair is required immediately or for a short period of time. It is aimed for less active users for example in orthopaedic centres, hospitals or emergency situations. The WM4L will be available in the second quarter of 2009.

 

Worldmade Trike The Worldmade Trike is designed to attach to the WM3 chassis to create a hand driven cycle. For many people in developing countries, trikes are a vital tool for transport. The Worldmade Trike will be available in the third quarter of 2009.

Worldmade Supportive Seat The Worldmade Supportive Seat system is designed for children and young adults with complex postural support needs. Providing high level postural support, the seats encourage self propulsion, independent mobility and improve the users’ level of communication and social interaction. The new Worldmade Supportive Seat is currently in the research and design stage and will be available in 2010. However the present models are available (see picture) - contact Motivation for further information.

 

Partnership

The key to Worldmade is developing the network of local partner disability organisations to become providers of quality and sustainable mobility services.

Please contact Natalie Snell, Worldmade Coordinator, if you are interested in discussing the potential for collaboration with Motivation