Without mobility, children miss out on school, healthcare and open outdoor spaces. While their peers advance in knowledge and social connections, children who need wheelchairs are literally left behind.
Our affordable wheelchair will open possibilities for thousands of children around the world. This campaign will fund prototypes and field testing in Colombia.
Participant is on a mission to democratize quality assistive products so that none are left behind - starting with a wheelchair for children.
Currently, no affordable products exist for most of the children who need them. That is 5 million children who don’t have the chair they need. Affordability, durability, or missing therapeutic features are the big problems.*
We are building on lessons we learned while creating over 150 other wheelchair products for users in Japan and the USA. And, we have seen thousands of chairs in rugged developing world settings.
The wheelchair will be available in 2019 at an affordable low price that will fit the budgets of non-profit organizations and lower income country governments. Already, many are interested. Unlike other medical device companies, our mission is to increase participation for as many people as possible, not just make a big profit.
Details on the Wheelchair
Three growable sizes for toddlers to adults. Includes supportive positioning features for postural health and comfort. Optional tray, 3-wheel attachment, and sun shade. Transportable in a small car. Capable of tilt and recline while on the go.
Life in many difficult places is improving. Following the Sustainable Development Goals, healthcare, education, and better work is increasingly available. But, if you cannot get to those good things, they don’t benefit you. In our decades of field work, we’ve seen that with improved assistive products and better clinical care, people participate more in mainstream culture. That’s better for everyone.
"Children with loco-motor disabilities are our most under served community. The 'right' product is either unavailable, very expensive, or extremely poor quality. This wheelchair design promises a lot in terms of customization, functionality, aesthetics and affordability. It could be a sustainable venture and be a life changer for millions of children."
Prashant Singh
Director, Co-Founder SMO
Biomedical Engineer
Bangalore, India
Our Story
Participant’s founders have careers in international development, medical device design, and occupational therapy.
Dave is a Canadian Occupational Therapist who has dedicated his career to working with wheelchair seating and in wheelchair development in less resourced countries. He’s a wheelchair user who participates in a variety of outdoor sports and enjoys introducing other individuals to the outdoors, particularly fellow wheelchair users. He has been living and working abroad for more than 25 years.
Wayne loves developing and delivering innovative products for children with disabilities to help them reach their greatest potential. Since 1990, Wayne has been a pioneer in providing the freedom of mobility and therapeutic support for children with disabilities. He has developed numerous products for children and adults with disabilities worldwide and currently, he is focused on serving less resourced countries.
Keoke’s first encounter with disability was while being cared for by his grandmother. Her assistive products, a cane and a rudimentary wheelchair, were bulky and did not function well for her daily activities, especially outdoors. He loves to find market-based, scalable solutions that serve basic needs. His career in international development has taken him to seventeen countries for roles in marketing, supply chain, product development, and sales.
* That figure and those problems are are from the World Health Organization. Check our website for sources.
