NFWD Conducts Mobile Wheelchair Repair and Support Camp
NFWD Conducts Mobile Wheelchair Repair and Support Camp in Kolonnawa, Colombo District
The Nation Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWD) successfully conducted a Mobile Wheelchair Repair and Support Camp in Kolonnawa, Colombo District, providing essential repair, maintenance, and assessment services to wheelchair users and persons with disabilities in the community.
Held at a local temple, the camp brought together wheelchair users and their family members to access technical support, practical guidance, and information related to mobility, independence, and well-being. The initiative aimed to ensure that assistive devices remain safe, functional, and responsive to the individual needs of users, thereby enhancing their quality of life and community participation.
Ms. Rasanjali Pathirage, Founder President and CEO of NFWD, actively participated in the program and engaged directly with participants and their families. These interactions provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by wheelchair users, including accessibility barriers, maintenance concerns, mobility limitations, and opportunities for greater inclusion within their communities.
During the camp, each wheelchair underwent a technical assessment to identify repair requirements, safety issues, and maintenance needs. Participants received repair and adjustment services where necessary, while every wheelchair user was provided with a personalized assessment and maintenance card. These records will support future servicing, follow-up activities, and the long-term effectiveness of assistive devices.
Services provided during the camp included:
• Repair and maintenance of wheelchairs and assistive devices;
• Individual assessments of wheelchair condition and user requirements;
• Information and referrals related to health, dignity, and well-being support;
• Strengthening community-based protection and referral mechanisms;
• Practical guidance on wheelchair use, positioning, and routine maintenance.
A special feature of the initiative was the involvement of peer mentors, Mr. Tikiri Kumara and Ms. Samanthi, who shared their lived experiences and practical knowledge with participants. Drawing on their own experiences as wheelchair users, they provided valuable advice on safe and effective wheelchair use, promoting greater comfort, independence, confidence, and mobility.
As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and independent living, NFWD plans to organize the next Mobile Wheelchair Repair and Support Camp in Puttalam District. The organization also intends to develop a sustainable community-based support system by providing specialized training in wheelchair repair and maintenance to selected persons with disabilities. This approach will help build local technical capacity, improve access to repair services, and create opportunities for peer-led support within communities.
Through initiatives such as this, NFWD continues to promote accessibility, inclusion, dignity, and equal participation for persons with disabilities across Sri Lanka.
NFWD extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, peer mentors, volunteers, community members, and partners whose contributions made this program a success. Together, we are building stronger and more inclusive communities where persons with disabilities can live independently and participate fully in society.
Next Stop: Puttalam District
NFWD looks forward to expanding this initiative and strengthening community-based wheelchair support services throughout Sri Lanka, ensuring that more persons with disabilities have access to safe, reliable, and well-maintained assistive devices.
#NFWD #WheelchairRepair #DisabilityInclusion #AssistiveDevices #Accessibility #IndependentLiving #CommunityBasedRehabilitation #WomenWithDisabilities #LeaveNoOneBehind #Puttalam #SriLanka
For Facebook and website publication, I would also recommend adding a human impact quote from a participant or from Ms. Rasanjali Pathirage. A short quote often increases engagement and makes the story more compelling for donors, partners, and media outlets.
