Lodwar: Nine wheelchairs were over the weekend donated to persons living with disabilities in Lodwar to celebrate International Wheelchair Day at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) office in Lodwar. Of the total wheelchairs, seven were donated by Helping Hand for Relief and Development, a Muslim for Humanity organisation, while NCPWD donated the other two wheelchairs.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Chief Guest, Ayub Khalid, leader of Helping Hand for Relief and Development, used the occasion to highlight various issues affecting wheelchair users and wheelchair services. These included the need to help wheelchair users recognise the positive impact a wheelchair can have on their lives, raise awareness about accessibility for wheelchair users, and celebrate the invaluable work of the many individuals and organizations supporting the provision of wheelchairs, care, and assistance to wheelchair users.
The International Wheelchair Day is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the resilience of individuals who rely on wheelchairs while promoting inclusivity within communities. NCPWD County Coordinator Benson Ebei underscored that the Day serves as an opportunity to reflect on how wheelchairs are not just tools but lifelines that enable individuals to live independently and on their own terms.
Ebei highlighted that the day is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of wheelchair users, while also reminding everyone of the ongoing need for inclusivity and accessibility in communities. He thanked Helping Hand for Relief and Development for their partnership and generous donation of wheelchairs.
The theme for International Wheelchair Day 2025 is 'Mobility, Access, Inclusion: Empowering Lives Globally' which underscores the importance of inclusive design and accessibility in the built environment. Others who attended the occasion from Helping Hand for Relief and Development were Rael Lomoti, Mwajuma Akidor, and CarlPeters Zike.