A cross-border initiative providing all-terrain wheelchairs and prostheses to underserved non-ambulatory individuals in Mexico

Issues: In Mexico, the non-ambulatory population is growing due to increasing numbers of amputees secondary to complications of diabetes or accidents. Many are underserved and cannot afford wheelchairs or prostheses. Donated conventional wheelchairs are not appropriate for the rough terrain and break easily. Formal prosthetic shops are non-existent. Many amputees stay at home or beg on the streets. The issues are ambulation and jobs.

Description: ARSOBO (ARizona/SOnora/BOrder), a Mexican NGO, hires wheelchair riders to construct all-terrain wheelchairs and amputees to fabricate prosthetics. ARSOBO’s philosophy: a not-for-profit ‘social’ business; charge an amount to ensure ownership and dignity but only what families can afford; and hire those with disabilities to construct the medical device they use. The wheelchairs can withstand and circumvent rough terrain and can be customized if special sitting is required. The cross-border prosthetic process: volunteer prosthetists from Hanger (Tucson) assist our novice prosthetist employee make the casts in Mexico.  Then our employee works in Tucson Hanger using donated components to fabricate the prostheses. In the past 3 years, 93 all-terrain wheelchairs have been constructed, 28 were customized. In the past 7 months, 34 prosthetic legs have been fabricated.

Lessons Learned: Disability is more a social than a medical situation. This successful non-profit social business model can be replicated in other community settings. Strong partnerships are vital and should come from both sides of the border. Sustainability should be paramount in any decision. 

Recommendations:  ARSOBO will expand to more rural communities in northern Mexico and improve the lives of others.