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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How does UCP Wheels for Humanity find the recipients of the wheelchairs?
UCP Wheels for Humanity partners with various organizations throughout the world in order to find the recipients of our wheelchairs. Our local partners in developing countries are typically rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, schools or orphanages for children with disabilities, advocacy groups, private foundations, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other groups that have access to people with disabilities in their communities. By working with local groups we are able to locate the people in the greatest need of wheelchairs and ensure that they receive the correct wheelchair for their disability.
- Why does UCP Wheels for Humanity send teams of physical and occupational therapists and professional seating specialists to wheelchair distributions?
It is critical that people with disabilities receive an appropriate wheelchair specified to their size and disability. A wheelchair that is not specific to an individual can actually cause more medical problems including pressure sores and reduced circulation.
In the U.S., people who receive a wheelchair are evaluated by therapists and seating specialists to determine what type of wheelchair and what modifications are needed to best meet their needs. We believe that people throughout our world deserve the same treatment and respect as people with disabilities receive here in America, so UCP Wheels for Humanity replicates the seating process throughout the world.
While distributing wheelchairs we work side by side with local therapists, care givers and family members to train them in proper care for individuals with disabilities, correct seating and positioning, wheelchair adjustment and maintenance in order to provide the opportunity for ongoing care.
- Where does UCP Wheels for Humanity get their wheelchairs?
In addition to the many wheelchairs we are given by individual private donors throughout the Western U.S., we receive the majority of our donated wheelchairs and other ambulatory equipment from wheelchair manufacturers, durable medical equipment wholesalers and retailers, hospitals and convalescent homes. This large variety of equipment is then sorted, refurbished and packed for shipping by our staff and dedicated volunteer workforce.
We also work with a partnering humanitarian organization to manufacturer a pediatric wheelchair designed for the developing world. The wheelchair is easily adjustable with one tool, which we provide, and will grow with a child for 5-7 years. The wheelchair has all of the supports and adjustability of a pediatric wheelchair sold commercially in the U.S., and is currently manufactured for only $150.
- How can I volunteer with UCP Wheels for Humanity?
Please visit our Volunteer Page to learn about different opportunities to get involved with UCP Wheels for Humanity.
- What is the global need for wheelchairs and why does the need exist?
It is estimated that more than 100 million children and adults worldwide need wheelchairs and do not have them due to lack of access, lack of money, or both. Their lack of mobility stems from accidents, birth defects, war injuries, debilitating diseases, aging, natural disasters and land mines. With the number of people with disabilities growing each year, our work will continue to be a pressing need.
- How is UCP Wheels for Humanity funded?
UCP Wheels for Humanity receives funding in three ways. A large part of our annual budget comes from private and corporate foundations that support our work through grants. Each year we hold various fundraisers and events where we invite our supporters and friends to join in support of our mission. (For more information on our annual events please see our Upcoming Events Page). We also receive contributions from thousands of generous donors each year to support our work. If you would like to support our mission, please visit our Ways to Give Page.
- How does UCP Wheels for Humanity ship wheelchairs and other equipment throughout the world?
Generally, wheelchairs and other equipment are shipped in a 40-foot ocean container. In order to be cost efficient and supply our partners with all the equipment needed for people with disabilities, we provide approximately $200,000 worth of equipment in each container. We have also received donated shipping from some shipping companies and airlines.
How can I donate a wheelchair to UCP Wheels for Humanity?
If you are located in the Western U.S. and you have a wheelchair, please visit our Donate a Wheelchair Page.
If you are located outside of the Western U.S. and would like to donate a wheelchair, please visit our Resource Page.
- What is UCP?
UCP, or UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY, was founded in 1949. It is a nationwide network consisting of a central national organization, located in Washington, D.C., and more than 100 independent, state and local non-profit affiliates. UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. In fact, 65% of the people UCP serves have a disability other than cerebral palsy. UCP is one of the nation's most efficient charities, with a system-wide average of 85% of all revenues going to programs.
UCPLA (UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) - our parent organization - was founded in 1945 by a small group of parents who wanted to create community-based services for their children with disabilities, during a time when no such services existed. Initially founded as the Spastic Children's Foundation, UCPLA's earliest consumers were mostly families with young children. Over time, those youngsters grew up, and many of them still live in UCP housing. Today UCP operates over 40 program sites throughout five counties in Southern California and has extended its mission to serve all people with disabilities. Through the generosity of community supporters, the commitment of a dedicated staff, and the courage and vision of our founders, UCPLA today provides services to more than 1,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities, daily. Their goal is to help individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities maximize their own potential and live full and dignified lives.
The UCP family nationally provides information, advocacy and direct services to over 30,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities each day. Together, with over 100,000 volunteers and an even larger number of professional staff, UCP serves people with disabilities and others, through the development and implementation of the following state-of-the-art programs:
- assistive technology training
- early intervention services
- individual and family support services
- social and recreation programs
In addition, UCP provides supported living services, employment, information and referral services, legislative advocacy, technology initiatives and research, and we have been doing gratefully for nearly six decades.
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