The Free Wheelchair Mission provides durable, affordable wheelchairs to disabled people in developing countries. Started in 1977, they design wheelchairs made of plastic, tires, and steel that cost $59.20 each. Their goal is to improve mobility and quality of life for individuals and communities. They have provided over 521,300 wheelchairs to 77 countries. The wheelchairs increase independence, dignity, and hope for recipients while empowering families and communities.

1. Free Wheelchair Mission By: Ana Rodriguez September 30, 2010

2. About the Foundation Started in 1977, when Don Shoendorfer and his wife, Laurie, traveled to Morocco and saw a woman dragging herself across the street in order to beg. Don knew he could design a wheelchair that would be rugged, stable and most importantly, affordable. In 2001, he took 4 prototypes to India, it was immediately clear this new type of wheelchair could be the source of mobility for millions

3. Mission Our mission is to provide the transforming gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries, as motivated by Jesus Christ.

4. The Goal Our goal is to transform the quality of life not only for the affected individual, but for families, neighborhoods and communities in economically disadvantaged areas of developing nations around the world.

5. Plastic chair Mountain bike tires Castors Steel frame $59.20 The Wheelchair

6. Inputs The development team collaborates and coordinates with a number of ongoing support and fundraising effort. We fundraise to ship a wheelchair to where ever is needed around the world. We focus to serve and care for those around the world regardless of race, religion, culture, or gender

7. Process Develop a basic wheelchair Manufacture it in bulk at the absolute lowest cost Place it efficiently as possible in the least served areas of the globe Deliver a wheelchair to as many people as possible for no cost or obligation

8. Outputs We reduce suffering by sharing the gift of mobility with the world’s disadvantaged and disabled. Aggrandize the help for unfortunate homeless people We don’t only help the one’s in need but we also help their families too

9. Outcomes a wheelchair gifts an individual with not only life-transforming mobility, but with independence, dignity, and hope. empowering a disabled person lifts not only the individual, but also families and communities.

10. Outcomes (continued) 521,300 wheelchairs in production & shipped 77 countries now have the gift of mobility

11. Need in the Community The need of a wheelchair in third world countries is tremendous. It improves mobility for many unlucky people considered destitute. We Build people’s self-esteem to be stronger We lessen the chances of seeing people dragging themselves across the street. Decreases the possibilities of getting diseases from the filthy streets.

12. How does this link to Critical Thinking? The Free Wheelchair Mission has to think about how to reach out to people appropriately We have to organize to evince all the fundraisers and events that take place for the community to see that this is for a good cause We have to evaluate how many chairs are going around the world and who needs the chair the most

13. How does this link to Critical Action? We are helping the people improve their self esteem by giving them this special gift We influence families to have hope for the people in need of the chair in draconian situations We are traveling all around the world delivering the chair for the people that need it the most

14. Independent Living Institute The Independent Living Institute is a policy development center specializing in consumer driven policies for disabled peoples freedom of choice, self determination, self respect & dignity. Goal is to promote disabled people’s personal and political disabilities in Sweden and internationally.

15. Free Wheelchair Mission Independent Living Institute Promotes the opportunities of persons with disabilities to gain more personal and political power and self-determination A movement of people with disabilities who work for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect Transforms lives through the gift of mobility Reaches out to people with disabilities in need to increase confidence and self-respect Embracing core concepts of service to the poor, cultural collaboration, spirituality, and respect for the dignity of all mankind

16. Get Involved Make a donation Spread the word on any social network Participate in fundraisers Athletes can participate in any race while raising awareness and funds.

17. Thank You!!!