Children should be out exploring, learning, and connecting with their community. But thousands of children living with disabilities are tragically confined by invisible chains. The good news? Organisations are partnering to rewrite this depressing narrative, giving these kids their power and freedom back!
South Africa (22 June 2025) – Imagine a child confined to their home, unable to go out and play with the other kids in the neighbourhood, because of the invisible chains of disability and lack of mobility aids.
This is the reality of thousands of children living with disabilities in and beyond our country, often deprived of the simplest and most significant experiences such as going to school, being a part of the community or even accessing the healthcare they need, due to not having the assistive equipment they require to better navigate their world.
Well-meaning but inappropriate donations often make things worse, as imported wheelchairs that aren’t designed for African terrain or tailored to individual needs usually break down or may cause secondary complications.
“Without timely and suitable devices, these children face secondary health complications and restricted development. Addressing this gap is critical to closing inequality and unlocking their full potential,” says Zelalem Dessalegn Demeke, Occupational Therapist and Founder of the Grand Assistive Technology Centre.
“Without timely and suitable devices, these children face secondary health complications and restricted development. Addressing this gap is critical to closing inequality and unlocking their full potential,” he adds.
Empowering Children with Disabilities
But there’s hope! Organisations like Uhambo Foundation NPC (trading as Shonaquip Social Enterprise) are working to change this narrative.
They have joined forces with other stakeholders in the assistive technology sector to spotlight the challenges that arise when wheelchairs are poorly matched to both the user and their environment—and to drive action toward practical, sustainable solutions.
“A child chained indoors by a disability misses out on play, on school, on friendship,” says Shona McDonald, Founder of Shonaquip Social Enterprise.
“And it doesn’t stop there, as families are often forced to choose between care and income. The whole entire household as well as the broader community are affected.”
Championing Local Mobility Solutions
According to the Uhambo Foundation, real change will only come about when wheelchairs are designed with and for the people who use them, when they’re made locally, with training and support to maintain them.
“What actually helps is supporting local production, wheelchairs that are designed for local conditions, built by trained craftspeople, and distributed alongside repair training and user guidance,” McDonald explains.
Locally produced assistive technology is better suited to meeting the actual needs of the people and families in need of assistance, as well as holding the added benefit of creating jobs for people with disabilities, and empowering families, rather than sidelining them.
Reiterating these sentiments, Demeke adds that:
“African-led solutions are vital because local experts understand the cultural and environmental context. Sustainable systems must be built locally, using appropriate materials and integrating follow-up care,” he explains.
By focusing on community-based solutions, the initiative not only provides mobility but also creates employment, often for people with disabilities themselves. This sustainable model ensures dignity, independence, and long-term impact.
“It’s not just about movement. It’s about freedom, education, income, and dignity,” McDonald adds. “Mobility is a basic human right, and one we can all help make a reality.”
Uhambo Foundation NPC invites individuals, organisations, and partners to join the movement. Support can take many forms: financial donations, advocacy, or simply sharing the message.
To get involved or for more information, visit www.shonaquipse.org.za
Sources: Supplied
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