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Insights from the APT Network Event in Kenya

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In February, the Walkabout Kenya team participated in an Appropriate Paper-Based Technology (APT) Network Event, hosted by The Potter’s House CBO. APT is a sustainable initiative that turns recycled paper and cardboard into assistive technology devices, therapy equipment, and custom-made toys to support people with disabilities. 

The event focused on positioning techniques for children with mobility disabilities, ensuring they receive tailored support to meet their unique needs. Through interactive discussions and collaborative exercises, participants explored ways to refine therapy techniques using APT materials and enhance overall comfort for the children we serve. 

A key theme of the event was adaptive play, highlighting its essential role in therapy and rehabilitation. Participants explored how play can be a powerful tool for physical and cognitive development, crafting custom-made toys and rehabilitation devices for our Centre. 

Looking ahead, we’re excited to apply these skills, modifying and adapting wheelchairs using APT to better meet individual needs. This approach will allow us to accommodate a wider range of cases, ensuring that every wheelchair provides the best possible support, comfort and mobility. 

As one of the few organizations in East Africa working with APT, this event provided a valuable opportunity for our team to deepen their knowledge and explore new ways to integrate APT at our Centre. We look forward to putting these skills into practice, further enhancing the support and care we provide to our beneficiaries. 

Walkabout Returns to Migori County

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In December 2024, our Kenya team travelled to Migori County for an outreach distribution at the Migori County Referral Hospital.

Over the course of the week, the team distributed 116 wheelchairs to people with mobility disabilities.

The rehabilitation department at the hospital, which served as the distribution venue, played a crucial role in the needs assessment process of our beneficiaries, helping to ensure that everyone received a wheelchair suitable for their needs.

For this distribution, we were supported by the Migori County Government, reinforcing the importance of local partnerships in driving sustainable change for individuals with disabilities.

2023 Annual Report

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WF Annual Report 2023

APT Training at the Walkabout Kenya Centre

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In October, our Kenya team members from the Walkabout Centre took part in an innovative training for Appropriate Paper-based Technology (APT), in partnership with Potter’s House, thanks to a grant from MAITS.

APT is a sustainable engineering approach that transforms recycled paper and cardboard materials into assistive technology devices, tailored to meet the needs of children with disabilities.

The training was divided into two parts: APT device creation and physiotherapy. During the first part, our staff learned hands-on methods for building assistive devices from recycled materials. In the physiotherapy segment, our team gained practical skills in measuring and prescribing APT devices, focusing on adaptive seating based on each individual assessment.

They received guidance on conducting postural management assessments adaptable to children with both typical and atypical developmental needs, with particular emphasis on supporting children with Cerebral Palsy. The sessions emphasised the importance of close collaboration between physiotherapists and our staff creating adaptive seating with raw materials.

This training has not only equipped our team with specialised skills, but also strengthened our capacity to offer personalised support to children with disabilities through sustainable solutions. By implementing APT, we can now produce affordable, custom-fitted devices that meet each child’s physical requirements, providing comfort, stability, and greater independence —giving each child the opportunity to thrive.

Walkabout Turns 15!

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Walkabout Foundation partners with L’Oréal East Africa

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Supporting Children with Disabilities in Kenya: Training for Caregivers and Community Workers

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The Walkabout Closet Sale Returns!

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The Walkabout Closet Treasure Sale is back by popular demand! For three days only, we’ll be selling incredible pre-loved items to raise funds for our wheelchair, rehabilitation and research projects. Mark June 26th, 27th and 28th in your calendar and get ready for some guilt-free shopping! If you have any items that you’d like to donate for our event, please contact us on +44 207 581 3680 or email us at events@walkaboutfoundation.org and we’ll be happy to arrange a collection!

100 Lives Changed in Kitui, Kenya

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In March 2024, our Kenyan team travelled to Kitui county, for an outreach distribution at the Mwingi Resource Centre together with our local partners. . 

Over the course of four days, our dedicated team members distributed over 100 wheelchairs to people with mobility disabilities. Aside from wheelchairs, they also provided the beneficiaries with free reusable diapers and washable sanitary towels.These efforts aimed not only to enhance mobility, but also to address essential hygiene needs for those in need within the community.

During this period, we distributed a variety of wheelchairs ranging from Motivation Active folding, Free Wheelchair Mission’s Gen 2 & Gen 3, Hybrids, Intco transport, and HopeHaven models, ensuring diverse options to meet different needs

If you would like to support our work in Kenya and make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with mobility disabilities, please donate today by clicking below. Your support is invaluable in sustaining and expanding our initiatives.

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Walkabout in Kenya: Restoring Mobility with Free Wheelchair Mission

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In March 2024, the Walkabout Team travelled to Nanyuki, Kenya, together with our long-standing partner, Free Wheelchair Mission, and a group of their supporters from Right at Home. 

Throughout the week, the team not only provided 53 wheelchairs, but also created meaningful connections between beneficiaries and supporters. They gained valuable insights into the complexities of our work and the profound impact it has on the lives of others. From conducting beneficiary assessments to personally fitting each wheelchair, every step of the process was marked by care, compassion, and commitment to empowering mobility. 

Going beyond mere distributions, the team immersed themselves in the local community by participating in various activities with our local team and residents. For example, taking part in sitting volleyball matches not only brought joy and fostered a sense of camaraderie, but also highlighted the importance of inclusion and recreation for individuals with disabilities.

As we reflect on the impact of our work in Kenya, we invite you to join us in supporting our ongoing efforts. Your donation could help us continue to provide essential wheelchairs to individuals in need, fostering independence, dignity, and inclusion within local communities. Together, we can make a difference, one wheelchair at a time.

To support our work in Kenya and provide mobility to people in need, donate today by clicking below.

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Measuring Impact: Monitoring & Evaluation in the Dominican Republic

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Walkabout Foundation has been supporting individuals with mobility disabilities in the Dominican Republic for over a decade. Since our first distribution in 2010, we have provided 927 wheelchairs, impacting over 2,200 lives. However, the impact of our efforts extends beyond distributions. As a part of our holistic wheelchair provision, we recognise the importance of follow-up services, ensuring we offer ongoing support and address beneficiary needs post-distribution.  Following our last visit to the DR, we worked with our local partner to co-design a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) survey. The project aimed to measure the impact of the wheelchairs on the lives of our recipients and their caregivers. The local team collected the data between October 2022 and October 2023, following up on 167 past beneficiaries.  While measuring the impact of a wheelchair or trike on someone’s life, we looked at key areas such as quality of life and wellbeing, independence, repairs, employment, education, social inclusion, and overall wheelchair satisfaction. Amongst our findings were: 1. Quality of Life & Wellbeing Improved Quality of Life 100% of respondents reported an improvement in their quality of life after receiving a wheelchair. Better posture, enhanced mobility, increased participation in social activities, improved nutrition, and greater independence were among the most common themes reported by recipients. Social Inclusion After receiving their wheelchairs, children experienced a 19% increase in community participation, frequently engaging in various activities such as going to church, visiting neighbours, and attending family gatherings outside their homes.  2. Education Increased School Attendance Following the distribution, there was a significant decrease in the number of children not attending school, dropping from 114 to 52 children (almost 50%). Follow-up initiatives, such as our Monitoring & Evaluation Project, are essential for assessing the long-term impact of wheelchair provision, identifying areas for improvement and providing ongoing support to recipients as their needs evolve over time. The data collected showed that wheelchairs, as part of a holistic approach to disability-care provision, significantly contribute to improving the lives of people with mobility disabilities, despite the many challenges they still face.

Henry’s Story

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