By Sarah Maraschky | Communications Associate
With your support, Peace Winds was able to distribute mobility aids, such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs, to 120 Haitians with disabilities who are particularly vulnerable, creating an environment where they can live with as much freedom and peace of mind as possible.
There are more than 1,600 people with disabilities in Haiti’s southern prefecture, but it is estimated that more than 3,200 people have new physical disabilities following the earthquake on August 14, 2021 (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, September 2021 report). Additionally, more than 12,000 people have been injured and need ongoing rehabilitation services. The earthquake has also created difficulty accessing roads and a shortage of medical care due to large numbers of injured people visiting the hospitals at once. As a result, many people with disabilities have delayed medical attention to their injuries, only causing them to worsen. Public support and social welfare programs for people with disabilities in Haiti are also underdeveloped.
Before the earthquake, the “MCPHPSH: le Mouvement Citoyen des Personnes Handicapées Physiques Sud d'Haïti” provided accommodations for people with disabilities, including recreational activities and events. However, the facility was completely destroyed by the earthquake. Beneficiaries were forced to evacuate to tents, shelters, and relatives’ homes, and the facility canceled all of its activities. Before the earthquake, about 120 people used the facility, but now that number has doubled to about 240. Forty percent of new registrants are people with disabilities due to the earthquake. While the number of users is increasing, it is extremely important for people with disabilities to be able to move on their own to build independence, self-esteem, and social participation. However, there are rarely enough mobility aids to allow people with disabilities to get around on their own. With the donations Peace Winds received, we were able to distribute mobility aids for 120 people who use the facility. Beneficiaries are now able to move freely and have expressed plenty of gratitude.
Check out our project report below to hear from some of Peace Winds staff members and beneficiaries.
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