ASSERT to launch new Wheelchair Programme

In July 2007, ASSERT is starting a new programme to establish a National Wheelchair Service in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Community Re-Insertion, Motivation, and St Francis Clinic Aileu.

Programme Goal:
To empower wheelchair users in East Timor through increased access to, and active participation in, civil life.

Programme objectives:

1. To establish a sustainable national wheelchair service, implemented as a partnership programme between ASSERT, the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, the Ministry of Health, the St Francis Workshop, the Motivation Charitable Trust, and local organisations involved in disability initiatives.
2. To empower wheelchair users through the establishment of DPO led peer group training and support.

Programme Summary:

1. Develop a partnership between ASSERT, the Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion, the Ministry of Health, the St Francis Workshop, the Motivation Charitable Trust, and local organisations involved in disability initiatives, to develop a national wheelchair service program (includes development of a as sub group of Disability Working Group).
2. Establish a national wheelchair service under ASSERT / TLSPR . This includes establishing a clinic, workshop, and referral space, recruitment of staff, and development of administration and organisational systems.
3. Establish a supply of wheelchairs and tricycles (including both Worldmade wheelchairs imported, and made to order items from St Francis Workshop Aileu).
4. Initiate a comprehensive 3 year training programme for National staff to equip the wheelchair service with professionally trained clinical and technical personnel, and provide training to referral network staff.
5. Develop and implement referral processes, and service delivery and provision processes.
6. Establish a national wheelchair financing system in conjunction with MTRC.
7. To establish national product wheelchair guidelines / standards.
8. To develop peer training awareness and skills in a core group of East Timorese wheelchair users with the potential to lead peer group training and support in the future.
9. To incorporate monitoring, evaluation, development, and planning strategies for development and expansion of program in the future.

We are still in the fund raising and development phase, but are very much looking forward to getting this programme up and running this year. Donations towards this programme would be gratefully accepted!!