The faces tell the story.Wheelchairs arrived at Honnali, Davangere district in India on 24th of February and the people were thrilled.They could now “do wonderful things” thanks to the mobility the chairs gave them. LDS Charities donated roughrider wheelchairs that could maneuver the dirt and bumpy pathways that have to be traveled. Laughter and smiles from the recipients and their families/sponsors were seen everywhere.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with APD, the Association of People with Disabilities, to enable more people to move about freely. Baby, a woman who has her BA degree and teaches sign language to the hearing impaired said she could “have a better quality of life, pursue more education and do wonderful things.”
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Premar, a woman who had polio, has some slight sense in her toes. She has taught sewing and tailoring to over 1,200 students using her toes to work the sewing machine. Her family surrounded her with pride and happiness as she expressed her joy.
Shivppa was brought to the event by his young nephew. He has spent his life unable to use his legs and crawling in the dirt to move around. Mabusk, age 23, works in his family business making flower garlands and says he will continue his education. Nallikarjunaiah, age 58, a grandfather and astrologer, fell from a bicycle and suffered a spinal cord injury and is grateful he will no longer have to only sit on a cot but can move around. Salimulla is blind and without locomotion. This was the first time he had been out of his home in 35 years. Many more stories of lives changed were told.
A demonstration was given showing how to maneuver the wheelchairs around something, how to go up or down a hill, how to move from the ground to the chair and more. Tools were given for adjustments and maintenance. Everyone watched closely and some practiced themselves.
The freedom of mobility restores dignity and gives hope. One dignitary attending the event said “God bless you people for coming here!” LDS Charities wheelchair program is inspiring but so are the people who receive the wheelchairs.