The Joy of Moving Quickly

Due to limited physical ability, most of the children with cerebral palsy in our project must rely on the caregivers to carry them or push them on a wheelchair. Seeing other children move freely has always been something they envy and look forward to doing.

Recently, due to donations, we received several electric wheelchairs! It can be controlled by the joystick on the arm. It immediately ignited the children's curiosity! The caregivers helped several children begin to learn to operate the electric wheelchair. Finally, the children who have been limited in mobility can move freely!

Due to contracture of his joints,  Theodore usually relied on his "BMW" (a small four-wheeled scooter) to move around. But now he had access to an electric wheelchair, and he learned to use it quickly. The first time he learned how to change direction, and the second time he learned how to go uphill and downhill. Although he was a little nervous at the beginning of going up and down, with the encouragement of his nannies and telling him how to do it he soon learned to go downhill! A few days later, on the way to school, Theodore would show the other children how good the electric wheelchair is and how convenient it is for him to use!

 

Madeline is a girl with a quiet personality. Initially she was fearful of the electric wheelchair moving quickly. When she first moved the joystick, she was startled that the wheelchair moved. Despite this, she pushed the joystick with a look of fear and wonder on her face, and she raised her hand excitedly to wave at everyone. After her nanny calmed her down, she mustered up the courage to start the "car" again. After two days, she also fully mastered the use of the electric wheelchair. The sense of freedom of being able to control the direction without the help of her nanny was liberating! Her nanny says that since using the electric wheelchair, her self-confidence has improved a lot.

Emerson totally relies on the help of his nanny in his daily activities. Seeing the other children using electric wheelchairs, he showed envy and leaned forward involuntarily. Although he can't express it in words, his nanny could see that he also longed to try the electric wheelchair. This wish was of course fulfilled for him. Although he still needs his nanny's help, he can control the direction and speed by himself. Initially the speed startled him, and he would not let go of the joystick. But as his nanny reassured him, he learned to relax and try again slowly. Now Emerson does not feel nervous and is gaining confidence.

After years of therapy, James is now able to walk independently without using a walker. However, for long distances, he still needs the help of a wheelchair. He likes all kinds of mechanical and car toys, and learning to use an electric wheelchair was a breeze for him. We're excited to see how the electric wheelchair can help him move more freely!

 

You are invited to join us and watch them grow and develop.