News
March 1 is International Wheelchair Day – TCI gets One World Foundation donation
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2022 – The world celebrated International Wheelchair Day on Tuesday March 1 and for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the day was a reminder of the generosity the country continues to enjoy through the One World Foundation which in late 2021 donated 54 wheelchairs and walkers to the people of these islands; so far 18 have been given to those in need including two children.
BettyAnn Been is the Director of Special Needs for the country, she remarked on the value of this commemoration.
“It brings awareness that person is in wheelchairs once they are given the opportunity they can flourish like anybody else.”
By mid-month, the Special Needs Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services will launch out across the islands… not only with more wheelchairs to be given to those in need, but there will be supplies distributed as well.
BettyAnn Been said, currently the Department of Social Services helps in linking Special Needs to those requiring
She spoke to Magnetic Media about what was in store for special needs persons across the family islands
“We have received A total of 54 pieces of adaptive equipment inclusive of wheelchairs and walkers that will assist persons throughout the Turks and Caicos’ through in their daily living.
We intent to distribute throughout the island so far Person’s in Providence Charlotte have benefited from the program and we are looking forward to take some wheelchairs shortly into north and middle Caicos and south Caicos.
Allowing other persons across the islands to benefit as well. And shortly we should be launching or we care program in North Middle and South Caicos and Salt Cay where we don’t have special programs to help elderly persons and others.”
ABOUT THE DAY
International Wheelchair Day is commemorated annually around the world on 1 March to celebrate the positive impact that a wheelchair has on the lives of wheelchair users. The day is also dedicated to celebrating the great work of people who provide wheelchairs, support and care for wheelchair users and make the world a better and more accessible place for people with mobility disabilities.