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Published Friday, March 5, 2021
By Tony Darrick Baker
The covid-19 pandemic has changed the world in ways that were once unimaginable. Face masks, hand sanitizers, and social distancing are now a part of our daily lives.
With the new social responsibilities, we must continue to consider the rights and needs of people with mobility disabilities. There are unique precautions for wheelchair users and caregivers that need to be attended to.
Wheelchairs should be regularly cleaned. The solid surfaces have to be wiped down with soap and water or with a disinfecting spray of bleach diluted in water. Special attention should also be given to the tires, hand rims, push handles, brakes, and armrests. Be certain to grease the metal parts of the wheelchair in order to prevent rust from the extra cleanings.
Everyone should avoid touching the tires. Tires can be contaminated by everything they touch and everywhere they go. Wheelchair users should use the hand rims. If you know of someone using a homemade wheelchair without hand rims, then please get them in touch with Do It Foundation or one of their distribution partners, so that they can have safe and proper equipment for mobility.
Do It Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with a variety of distribution partners to help ensure that everyone that needs a wheelchair can get access to one. Their partners include Free WheelChair Mission, The Lions Club Costa Rica, and multiple municipalities throughout Costa Rica.
“As we work through this pandemic, we hope that organizations will continue to strive to ensure that everyone can equally and safely live, work, and play to their heart’s desire,” John Scheman, founder of Do It Foundation said. “Likewise, with so much social distancing, many people are staying home more than usual. So it’s extremely important to check on the health and social well-being of people with mobility disabilities and to create safe activities for them accordingly.”
Research on pandemics in the past shows that people with disabilities often find it much harder to access critical medical supplies. Some individuals with disabilities have also reported higher levels of social isolation. They may experience intensified feelings of loneliness as a direct response to the increase of physical distancing measures. It is extremely important to make sure that individuals with disabilities receive all of the human rights and benefits of our communities as we all work together to get through this pandemic.
If you are interested in supporting the work of the Do It Foundation, donating, or requesting a wheelchair, you can call 2667-0906 or 2667-0912, or by WhatsApp at 8609-8021. You can also visit the Do It Foundation site.
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