More Than Helping Hands

An estimated 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability. And those with disabilities are often unemployed, uneducated, abused at home, and overlooked in society (UN) especially in developing countries. This alone makes it hard to get accurate data on those living with disabilities.

In resource-deprived communities, those with disabilities don’t have much of a choice than to try to work in order to provide for themselves and their families. Workplace areas may not have many, if any, accommodations for those with disabilities such as adequate access to materials, mobility routes, or adequate rest. While some of these are harder to solve, one essential solution is providing rehabilitation to “optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment” (WHO, Rehabilitation). Specific exercises, movements, and positions can help strengthen mobility and further economic impact.

One project with PRINT to target this issue is Global Feather who is building community equality and economic growth for those with disabilities through rehab, classes, training, and consultation. This can be a huge benefit for those trying to work yet struggle with pain associated with their disability. They not only seek to make the disabled more functional and mobile, but to also give relief to the caretaking families. This is especially true with children.

Check out this remarkable story of “Grace.” For her and so many like her, Global Feather not only helps give functionality to their body, but strengthens their heart and their hope.

“When I arrived, "Grace" was sitting bent over and could not move her arms or hands because of the pain. Her face was wrinkled with pain, far beyond her 50+ years. She could no longer work in the fields or even wash her family's clothes without extreme pain. As I showed her exercises and spoke hope that she could get better, her face began to brighten. Before I left, she was able to sit upright and even begin to move her arms. Her words said what I already was seeing on her face: "Before my heart was in pain, now my heart is comfortable."

Learn more about Global Feather and donate to their cause here.