Making a “wheel” difference: International wheelchair experiences

Occupational therapists (OTs) have a unique role in wheelchair provision: They assess the fit and function and modify wheelchairs to provide the user with more comfort and mobility as well as to improve overall participation and quality of life (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). In countries with limited resources, only about 10% of those living with a disability have access to a wheelchair (Wheelchair Foundation, n.d.). For example, in one children’s hospital in Kenya, more than 1,000 children are on a waiting list for a wheelchair.