Description
Immobility adversely affects the lives of the disabled in Tanzania by limiting their opportunity to attend school, work, and participate in the community. A small fraction of those in need of a mobility aid actually have access to one; the few with access to standard wheelchairs find them exhausting to push on rough terrain, which is characteristic of rural communities. Hand-powered tricycles on the other hand, are easier to propel, but are too large for use in the home.
The folding tricycle attachment prototype in its stowed away state
The goal of this project is to produce a low-cost, foldable, stowable tricycle attachment for standard wheelchairs. A folding design will enable the owner to stow his or her wheelchair on public buses and in taxis, thereby enabling travel to urban regions.
I was drawn to the GHDI program because of its emphasis on collaborating with stakeholders when designing for social impact. What most surprised me about the program was how easy it was for my team to collaborate with our hospital counterparts in Ghana. This fact alone demonstrates the program’s dedication to maintaining meaningful relationships with its hospital partners which I think sets the program apart from the rest.
What to Know About The Global Health Design Initiative
Program History
GHDI has been working with stakeholders for more than eight years to identify and address global health design challenges. Learn more about our history and core values.
Learn More →
Project Outcomes
Since inception, we have worked on projects in maternal health, family planning, minimally invasive surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and more. Explore our past and current projects.
Learn More →
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved in global health work with GHDI. From taking on a need statement, to participating in an opportunity, or becoming a partner.
Learn More →