#40 Resources for disability in healthcare mission
With Karen Rispin
Many faith-based health providers intend to follow in the footsteps of Jesus when they reach out to heal. If you look carefully, most of those Jesus healed were people living with chronic disabilities. Yet this population is often neglected by many faith-based health providers.
The World Health Organization sees disability as one of the fastest growing health problems. People are living longer; diabetes is rampant, and children born with disabilities are more likely to live. Families dealing with disability often feel that this is due to a curse or shameful behaviour. This sparks spiritual anxiety and leads to questions.
Further resources:
- A paper by Karen Rispin on including faith-based health providers in AT development
- Karen's website - Assistive Technology Catalyst Project
- A brief form to fill out for those interested in exploring options with Free Wheelchair Mission
- Reflections on a brother's death by Tim Teusink - an ICMDA blogpost
Other recommended organisations:
- ATscale Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
- Consolidating Logistics for Assistive Technology Supply and Provision (CLASP)
- Free Wheelchair Mission
- Beeline Wheelchairs
- Mobility Worldwide
- Participant Assistive Products
- Wheels for Humanity
- Motivation
- Ubuntu Hub
- Joni & Friends
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals
- International Society for Prosthetics Orthotics
Karen Rispin
Karen Rispin is Project Manager, Assistive Technology Catalyst Project with IDEAS and BethanyKids. She is passionate about reaching out with true hope by catalyzing links to resources to facilitate wheelchair services and care for those with disabilities at faith based hospitals. A missionary kid who grew up in Kenya, she has led research teams, published on appropriate assistive technology for low resource areas and serves on international committees. Karen’s desire is that those with disabilities receive appropriate provision of AT along with medical, social and spiritual care.
