Seating/wheelchair technology in the developing world: need for a closer look

Abstract

Seating and wheelchair technology continues to progress at a rapid rate. Literature and research in this area is abundant except when referring to the developing world. Awareness of the need for seating technology in underdeveloped countries continues to expand. Of the 20 million people in developing countries who require wheelchairs, less than 1% Production of seating technology locally appears to be a better solution than relying on outside donations. This incorporates the use of “appropriate” technology (using local resources), involving the community and the disabled, localizing seating/wheelchair production, designing seating systems compatible with the cultural, psychological and physical environments and, the use of a teamwork approach.