Having donated 300 wheelchairs to St Vincent and the Grenadines for physically challenged citizens, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is building capacity to ensure that the items are distributed in the best way possible.{{more}}

For three days last week, people from various sectors in this country were engaged in a training course to expose them to the proper way to assess a physically challenged person and fit them to a wheelchair.

These participants are expected to assist in a programme which will provide wheelchairs, crutches and canes to people who are physically challenged.

Physical therapist at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Louanna Veira, declared that the gesture will be greatly appreciated by many people within the country, particularly since it will empower people who are physically challenged.

“It is something that we are pretty sure all the doctors at the hospital will appreciate; the ministry as well will appreciate the access to these instruments, these wheelchairs and the impact it will have on our patients and on society as a whole. It offers them a mode of independence, something that will make them feel better about themselves,” Veira said.

Having been a part of the workshop, the physical therapist noted that the programme helped to elevate participants to a higher level of understanding.

“The training for each of us is a notch up in our education level. Some of us are not in the medical field, but still we get to learn these things and are now able to care for people in our society and make a better life for them,” she said.

Salesperson Edward Dewar spoke on behalf of all participants and thanked facilitators for a job well done. He added that before coming to the workshop, he knew people who were in need of a wheelchair but were unable to obtain one.

Additionally, he expressed happiness in now being able to help these people gain access to the much needed equipment.

“I’m hoping to go to their homes and do an assessment there to get a wheelchair to them. I appreciate the time and effort that you guys have put in to come and teach us what we have learnt and I know we all have learned a lot,” Dewar said.

In brief remarks, facilitator, Steve Spencer thanked all participants for their excellent effort and expressed hope that the “wheelchairs will be distributed rapidly and judiciously and carefully to people in need.” (BK)