In 1997, our core participants attended an intensive course on Wheelchair Design and Manufacturing in the Third World at San Francisco State University, a Whirlwind Wheelchairs International training program. They learned not only to build wheelchairs, but also how to maintain them. They continue to pass on the skills they acquired to other wheelchair riders by holding workshops at Transitions' Training Center.

We now operate a small wheelchair and therapeutic equipment repair and manufacturing workshop. In February/March of 2001, we offered an intensive wheelchair building and design course through Whirlwind Wheelchair International. Funding for the equipment, tools, materials and training was made possible by a Rotary International Foundation Grant, coordinated by the Portland Oregon Rotary Club. As of December 2003, our workshop has manufactured 230 new Whirlwind wheelchairs (child, youth and adult sizes), refurbished and donated 450 used wheelchairs, donated 625 walkers and 900 pairs of crutches as well as fabricated 128 orthotic and 160 prosthetic devices. With funding from World Emergency Relief (WER) and technical support from Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, we have been able to expand our prosthetic (artificial limbs) and orthotic (splint or support devices) services to a greater range of physically disabled in Guatemala. WER also provides funding for Erick Alvarez, one of our disabled participants, to study at Don Bosco University in El Salvador. He is training to become a licensed prosthetic technician.
 

Transitions is in its fourth year of operating a small graphic arts, desktop publishing and offset printing business. The print shop functions both as a disabilities job-training program and an income-generating project. Monies accrued through printing contracts are used to cover training costs, Transitions’ printed material costs and to provide small salaries for the participants who are involved.

In 2002, we received a Rotary International Foundation Grant organized by the Rotary Clubs of Savannah, Georgia and La Asunción, Guatemala. This donation sponsored the acquisition of three “Apple”G4 computers, one PC and five new printers. In conjunction with a Nikon digital camera, graphic design programs such as “Freehand” and “Photoshop”, our participants have advanced tremendously with their skills. The content of this web site is an example of our work.

For more information on how you can make a difference, please call us at 011-502-832-4261 or click here to to email us. Thank you.