Impact of structured wheelchair services on satisfaction and function of wheelchair users in Zimbabwe

Visagie, Surona; Mlambo, Tecla; Veen, Judith van der; Nhunzv, Clement; Tigere, Deborah; Scheffler, Elsje

doi:10.4102/ajod.v5i1.222

Cited by 31 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…These models (see Figure 5 ) have passed ISO durability tests (Hof et al 1993 ; USAID 2014 ) and were developed by non-profit organisations (Pearlman et al 2008 ; Rispin et al 2013 ). They are adjustable and more appropriate for rigorous use in rugged LRE conditions (Hotchkiss 1985 ; Sheldon & Jacobs 2006 ; Toro et al 2016 ; Visagie et al 2015a , 2015b , 2016 ). Despite wheelchairs passing ISO testing, breakdowns and failures occurred frequently and within months of the wheelchair being delivered, which reinforces the recommendation from the WHO guidelines that additional tests should be developed.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments

et al. 2017

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BackgroundPremature failures of wheelchairs in less-resourced environments (LREs) may be because of shortcomings in product regulation and quality standards. The standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specify wheelchair tests for durability, safety and performance, but their applicability to products used in the rugged conditions of LREs is unclear. Because of this, wheelchair-related guidelines published by the World Health Organization recommended developing more rigorous durability tests for wheelchairs.ObjectivesThis study was performed to identify the additional tests needed for LREs.MethodsFirst, a literature review of the development of ISO test standards, wheelchair standards testing studies and wheelchair evaluations in LREs was performed. Second, expert advice from members of the Standards Working Group of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) was compiled and reviewed.ResultsA total of 35 articles were included in the literature review. Participation from LREs was not observed in the ISO standards development. As per wheelchair testing study evidence, wheelchair models delivered in LREs did not meet the minimum standards requirement. Multiple part failures and repairs were observed with reviewed field evaluation studies. ISWP experts noted that several testing factors responsible for premature failures with wheelchair parts are not included in the standards and accordingly provided advice for additional test development.ConclusionThe study findings indicate the need to develop a wide range of tests, with specific tests for measuring corrosion resistance of the entire wheelchair, rolling resistance of castors and rear wheels, and durability of whole wheelchair and castor assemblies.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments

et al. 2017

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“…These findings are in line with the study that wheelchair use improved participation, integration, and independence. 20,21 In contrast, another study revealed that with wheelchair use, there is relatively no change in the travel distance overtime for 30 months. An increased traveling distance was observed in the first year, however not until the end of the study period.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

The economic impacts of wheelchair use: Evidence from Central Java, Indonesia

Pratiwi

Setiyaningsih

Mahardya

et al. 2019

J Community Empowerment for Health

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An estimated 10% of the global population has disabilities, and 1 out of 10 require wheelchairs. Although imperative, the provision of wheelchair services remains challenging, especially in low resource settings. Interacting barriers in availability of wheelchair services and healthcare access can negatively affect households of people with disabilities in productivity and obtaining income. The availability of wheelchair services can potentially lessen the related economic burden. However, to date there is limited evidence concerning the economic gain of the wheelchair users in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the economic impact of using wheelchairs on households in rural Central Java Province, Indonesia. Economic gains of wheelchair users were measured using a cross-sectional survey in Central Java, Indonesia during 2017. The questionnaires consisted of three main sections, namely general information, socio-economic information before and after using adaptive wheelchair, and income and spending related information. A total of 60 adaptive wheelchair users and parent proxy completed the questionnaires. More than half (55%) of the respondents were male, became impaired in 1998, and used an adaptive wheelchair starting in 2009. Medical conditions of the respondents related to need for a wheelchair are cerebral palsy (29%), paraplegia (29%), and polio (15.5%). Three-fourths of the respondents were working in the informal sector. On average, there is a significant increase of Rp. 217,662 in monthly household income between before and after using a wheelchair. However, there was no significant difference in spending before and after using a wheelchair. Respondents feel that using a wheelchair is beneficial particularly in mobility and helping in their activities. Wheelchair use can increase the income of households with disability. Clients responded that there have been several aspects which need further support, including skills improvement, employment generation for people with disabilities, and adequate public transportation facilities.

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“…The absence of single-window clearance systems with sound interface presents challenges to PWDs, especially those with mobility limitations. These often use wheelchairs or clutches (Visagine et al 2016 ). Offices that require people to move from one office to another complicate everyone’s abilities but worsen the plight of PWDs.…”

Section: Theory and Literature Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Looking under the veil: Challenges faced by people with disabilities in cross-border entrepreneurship

Matsaure¹,

Chindimba

Zimano

et al. 2020

African Journal of Disability

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Background: Cross-border entrepreneurship is one source of livelihood that is transforming people’s lives, especially those with limited resources and educational qualifications and those in need of supplementary earnings to complement meagre formal earnings. However, despite strides made to make this avenue worthwhile, this Zimbabwean study shows that hidden hindrances still persist from procedural and structural barriers from road entry point management systems. To people with disabilities (PWDs), the impact of these hidden barriers is severe to the extent of obstructing their optimum progression into cross-border entrepreneurship.Objectives: This article sought to interrogate some veiled challenges in border management systems affecting PWDs’ quest to venture into cross-border entrepreneurship. This angle has, to this end, been timidly addressed as most organisations and legislation have concentrated on making things work for the majority of the populace.Method: Qualitative phenomenological method in which researchers’ lived experiences, review of literature, ideas and opinions is complemented by secondary survey data from a road entry point management system study in the Zimbabwean setting.Results: Cross-border entrepreneurship has potential to transform people’s lives: 1) road and border management systems’ procedural and structural complications present hidden challenges impeding PWDs’ entry and optimum participation in cross border entrepreneurship, 2) people with disabilities are not automatically dependents; in fact, most have dependents looking up to the, 30 social construction of disability persists and must be curbed and 4) there is a need to institute a ‘stakeholders triad approach’.Conclusion: The existing road entry points’ management systems are not informed by considerations from PWDs, hence the existence of hidden challenges. Cross-border entrepreneurship can open significant livelihood avenues to PWDs. A stakeholders ‘triad-approach’, proposed herein, can solve some of the policy discrepancies as it recommends utilising inputs from PWDs, research and policy-makers.

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Impact of structured wheelchair services on satisfaction and function of wheelchair users in Zimbabwe

Cited by 31 publications

References 29 publications

Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments

Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments

The economic impacts of wheelchair use: Evidence from Central Java, Indonesia

Looking under the veil: Challenges faced by people with disabilities in cross-border entrepreneurship

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