Shonaquip

It was established as a social enterprise to provide appropriately fitted wheelchairs for children and adults, capacity-building for local wheelchair practitioners, together with empowerment and advocacy programs for people with disabilities. Shonaquip is entrenched in the Social Model which recognises that people with disabilities' inclusion in so... ciety and their barriers to access are framed just as much by social barriers as by the practical limitations of their impairment. We are passionate about building an inclusive work environment to reflect the rights of all, including people with disabilities, to access work. As such, we see our factory as an incubator to build skills and provide opportunities for our staff to become our suppliers. With the ongoing support of local and internationals partners, investors, funders and Governments, Shonaquip aims to develop local skills, manpower and the infrastructure in Africa (and other developing economies) to ensure that appropriate devices and responsible services for people with disabilities can meet the growing demand. Shona believes strongly in the growth of local infrastructure and manpower to manufacture our range of paediatric wheelchairs which we believe are well suited for use in urban, under- resourced and rural areas. We believe that long-term sustainability can only be achieved by empowering wheelchair users, their families and caregivers to advocate for their children's rights to affordable, quality devices and accessible support services. Working with our local government and other regional and global partners, we are developing a new skilled profession of wheelchair practitioners across Africa. This combined effort helps ensure that access to appropriate wheelchairs and responsible service expands and that wheelchairs are maintained using locally sourced materials, local health providers and technicians. Shonaquip HistoryRead More