Depth of stakeholder understanding and value proposition (29 points)
I feel like you fall short of the full paper’s purpose. You develop the background to get to a value proposition and hint at it but develop one (or likely more than one based on the needs you identified) statement that specifically says “Beeline provides chairs for xxx that do xxx and eliminate xxx and this is valuable/unique because…” There could be different ones – one about getting your kids mobility — letting them be kids go to school etc. another about overcoming stigma – stereotypes… and so on.
Effectiveness of storytelling techniques and creativity (24 points)
I think you could be more effective in storytelling and directing the poster toward the family. For instance, you say “empower children” versus “empower your child”… tie back to the needs you identified explicitly.
Introduction
In Guatemala, disability is a prevalent issue, with approximately one-third (31%) of households having at least one person with a disability (IISD’s SDG Knowledge Hub, 2017). Among those affected, a significant portion comprises children who require wheelchairs to support their daily lives. It’s understood that many families in Guatemala have children in need of wheelchairs, facing multifaceted challenges often exacerbated by difficult environments. Providing wheelchairs to these children not only enhances their mobility but also liberates their families from the struggles of caring for disabled children. Children represent the future of Guatemala, and by enabling disabled children with wheelchairs, they gain greater possibilities, fostering happiness within families. Moreover, mobile children contribute significantly to their families, becoming a potent force within their households.
The Situation in Guatemala Families
Families with children in need of wheelchairs face various challenges, encompassing issues related to the wheelchairs themselves, healthcare, and social integration. Firstly, these Guatemalan families require sturdy and durable wheelchairs. Given the rugged terrain in Guatemala and the lack of funding for repairing uneven roads, aside from central urban areas, there’s a deficiency in accessible facilities (Kircher, 2016). Thus, wheelchair designs should overcome obstacles while ensuring children’s safety and comfort. Additionally, having a wheelchair that adapts to a child’s growth and development is crucial (Rousseau-Harrison & Rochette, 2013). As children continue to grow, having a wheelchair that accommodates these changes can save families expenses over time.
These families also need suitable pediatric wheelchairs and information about their use and maintenance. Considering the challenges posed by the terrain, families require training and knowledge on how to use and maintain wheelchairs to ensure effective usage without encountering challenges or accidents (Replogle, 2005).
Most families with disabled members likely belong to lower socioeconomic strata, with larger household sizes, fewer staff members, and higher caregiving ratios (Hashemi et al., 2023). These economic challenges affect their ability to access healthcare services and purchase mobility aids. Consequently, they seek affordable solutions. Many express gratitude for donated wheelchairs, as economic constraints hinder their ability to purchase new ones (Glumac et al., 2009).
Nevertheless, even with wheelchairs available, we cannot overlook the difficulties prevalent in rural Guatemala. Firstly, transportation accessibility remains a significant issue in rural Guatemalan areas. Due to topographical and mobility challenges, accessing medical facilities and public spaces is challenging. On the other hand, economic constraints exacerbate these difficulties, with 59.3% of the population living below the poverty line. These families cannot afford the expensive costs associated with wheelchairs and related expenses, necessitating financial aid to access wheelchairs and medical services (Glumac, 2009). Even in areas with free clinics, transportation challenges exist. Transportation costs, inconvenience, and the loss of work hours impact most impoverished parents.
It’s noteworthy that approximately 90% of disabled children in developing countries lack formal education (UNESCO, 2015), and Guatemala is no exception. There are few disabled children enrolled in inclusive schools, limiting their learning opportunities. Limited access to education also poses a challenge to their participation in educational and social activities.
Shame and discrimination also significantly impact the psychological and emotional health of children and their families, subjecting them to considerable stress. Families not only witness their children’s exclusion but also contend with societal barriers, adding an additional burden to an already challenging environment.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive support, including providing financial aid, improving healthcare services and infrastructure, promoting educational opportunities, and eliminating societal discrimination and psychological stress.
Beeline Wheelchair Expertise
Beeline Wheelchairs is a nonprofit organization that provides mobility solutions for individuals, especially children, with physical disabilities. The organization estimates a shortage of 20 million wheelchairs annually, with over 70 million people globally in need of wheelchairs for mobility and functionality. Founded in 1988 by Mark Richard, an experienced engineer and social entrepreneur, Beeline Wheelchairs addresses the significant challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing suitable and affordable mobility solutions.
Beeline Wheelchairs offers sturdy, easily assembled wheelchairs for children that can tilt and occupy minimal space. One of Beeline’s significant breakthroughs is its focus on providing wheelchairs that tilt, meeting the needs of children requiring inclined wheelchair angles, an aspect often overlooked by many wheelchair companies. Through feedback and research, the company continuously improves its wheelchair designs to cater to diverse user needs, culminating in the introduction of customizable wheelchairs for children.
Their commitment to development and innovation reflects their responsiveness to the evolving needs of beneficiaries. After collaborating with Hope Haven for 23 years, Beeline Wheelchairs strategically split in March 2018, emphasizing a dedicated focus on specialized mobility solutions. This separation allowed Beeline to expand its influence and better address issues related to mobility.
Beeline’s wheelchairs and its commitment to reducing transportation costs, packaging space, and enhancing transport efficiency contribute significantly to society. Their laser-cutting adjustable frame design provides height, length, width, angle, and center of gravity adjustments, demonstrating the company’s emphasis on user customization and adaptability. Galvanized and powder-coated tubes further strengthen and protect the wheelchairs, extending their lifespan and reliability. By reducing storage space and packaging, Beeline overcomes financial constraints associated with mobility solutions, ensuring accessibility for a broader demographic, regardless of their location.
Moreover, Beeline Wheelchairs collaborates with healthcare professionals, disability organizations, and government bodies to ensure that their wheelchairs reach those most in need. By establishing clinics locally, Beeline significantly increases families’ accessibility to their services. Families can seek assistance at these clinics for wheelchair repairs or adjustments, fostering a supportive community engagement. Beeline aims to break barriers and stigma surrounding disabilities by actively interacting with local communities(Beeline Wheelchair).
Benefits Beeline Wheelchair Provide
The wheelchairs provided by Beeline to children are completely free; families do not have to spend a penny to obtain a sturdy and functional wheelchair. Whenever a family requires a wheelchair, they can acquire one from Beeline tailored to their child’s specific needs. Beeline Wheelchair is dedicated to ensuring that every family can obtain the necessary wheelchair without any cost. This free service not only means families can easily access suitable wheelchairs for their children but also assures customization according to the child’s requirements and the family’s circumstances.
Designed specifically for the terrain and practical needs of Guatemala, Beeline Wheelchair has engineered durable wheelchairs, significantly reducing maintenance and damage risks. This implies longer lifespan for each wheelchair, alleviating economic pressures on families. Even if issues arise, the establishment of Beeline clinics provides a more convenient means for maintenance and repairs, offering additional convenience and assurance for families. For instance, it reduces additional transportation expenses and facilitates real-time communication with staff regarding the child and wheelchair’s condition. This design and support not only enhance wheelchair durability but also follow up with subsequent services, providing families with increased confidence and peace of mind.
Beeline Wheelchair not only offers lightweight, foldable, and maneuverable wheelchairs but also emphasizes personalized customization. Each child’s needs are considered in the design process, ensuring the wheelchair perfectly suits their specific situation. This includes aspects such as the child’s physical condition, activity level, and personal preferences, customizing the wheelchair’s size, support, and functionality. This level of customization means every Beeline wheelchair is unique, aimed at providing each child with optimal comfort and support. By considering individualized needs, Beeline ensures that children receive not just a wheelchair but a solution tailored completely to their lifestyle.
Choosing Beeline Wheelchair means that even with a child with mobility challenges, they can attain the ability to move independently. This not only enables the child to autonomously accomplish daily tasks but also reduces the energy and time parents or caregivers spend on the child. The saved time can be used for work or rest, providing family members with an opportunity to alleviate economic and psychological pressures. By providing wheelchairs, Beeline not only improves the child’s quality of life but also offers valuable relief to the entire family, enabling them to better balance life. This support isn’t just about caring for the child; it’s about focusing on the overall well-being of the family. Beeline aims to ensure that every needy family receives support, allowing children to lead more comfortable, secure lives.
Sales Pitch
In Guatemala, we have witnessed the challenges faced by many disabled children and their families. Due to their disabilities, these children are unable to lead normal lives and often feel disconnected from society. We deeply understand the immense impact wheelchairs have on their lives. Recognizing that many families struggle financially to afford wheelchairs, Beeline Wheelchair has chosen to provide them free of charge. Let’s look at a story of Maria’s family.
Maria is a single mother facing terrain challenges alongside her son Juan, who faces mobility issues. This isn’t merely a physical challenge but an emotional journey where societal stigma adds immense pressure. Maria works hard to gather funds for Juan’s wheelchair, yearning for him to be embraced in a world that often overlooks them. Beeline has become their support, not only providing a wheelchair but also instilling hope and alleviating her burdens. These wheelchairs aren’t just mobility aids; they restore dignity, alleviate emotional burdens within families, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Beeline Wheelchair is committed to empowering children with mobility, offering sturdy, customizable wheelchairs free of charge, transforming lives similar to Maria’s family. Additionally, owning a wheelchair enables children to engage more with society, enhancing their opportunities to shape a better future. Choosing Beeline isn’t just about a wheelchair; it’s about improving lives, offering hope, and making the world a better place.
Suggestions
When reviewing Beeline Wheelchair’s website and social media, we believe that providing information such as the quantity of wheelchairs distributed by Beeline in Guatemala, the number of families impacted, or narratives illustrating how these wheelchairs have changed recipients’ lives would be more compelling.
Additionally, seeking assistance from families who have received the wheelchairs and encouraging them to share authentic feedback about Beeline could further reinforce its credibility. Establishing a dedicated platform or section inviting families or users to share their stories, photos, or videos depicting how Beeline wheelchairs have transformed their lives could offer tangible examples showcasing Beeline’s impact.
In communication with families, apart from detailing the changes experienced by individual families due to the wheelchairs, emphasizing Beeline’s broader societal impact would be beneficial. Highlighting how these wheelchairs promote social integration, foster more inclusive and compassionate communities, and affect the entire community of disabled children could resonate deeply with the audience.
Conclusion
The wealth of experience Beeline Wheelchair has accumulated over the years in providing durable, customized, and free wheelchairs to children in Guatemala has made it the most trustworthy partner for families in need. Beeline Wheelchair’s service not only provides high-quality wheelchairs for disabled children, enabling them to better integrate into society, enhance confidence, and alter lives, but also continually alleviates the psychological and economic burdens of families with disabled children, enabling them to have more choices and possibilities in life. Choosing Beeline ensures a better life for disabled children and their families.
Reference:
Beeline Wheelchair. https://www.beelinewheelchairs.org/darly-eng/
Glumac, Lorraine K. PT, DSc, PCS; Pennington, Sandra L. RN, PhD; Sweeney, Jane K. PT, PhD, PCS, FAPTA; Leavitt, Ronnie L. PT, MPH, PhD. Guatemalan Caregivers’ Perceptions of Receiving and Using Wheelchairs Donated for Their Children, 2009. https://journals.lww.com/pedpt/Fulltext/2009/02120/Guatemalan_Caregivers__Perceptions_of_Receiving.6.aspx.
Hashemi, Goli, Mary Wickenden, Ana Leticia Santos, and Hannah Kuper. “How Do People with Disabilities in Three Regions of Guatemala Make Healthcare Decisions? A Qualitative Study Focusing on Use of Primary Healthcare Services.” PLOS Global Public Health. Accessed October 3, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0000709.
IISD’s SDG Knowledge Hub. “Guest Article: The National Survey of Disability in Guatemala 2016: A Case Study on the Use of Population-Based Survey Data to Monitor Inclusive Progress towards the Sdgs: SDG Knowledge Hub: IISD.” SDG Knowledge Hub, 14 June 2017, sdg.iisd.org/commentary/guest-articles/the-national-survey-of-disability-in-guatemala-2016-a-case-study-on-the-use-of-population-based-survey-data-to-monitor-inclusive-progress-towards-the-sdgs/.
Kircher, Shannon. “Handicap Accessibility in Guatemala.” The Wanderlust Effect, October 16, 2016. https://www.thewanderlusteffect.com/handicap-accessibility-guatemala/.
Replogle, Jill. “Guatemala’s Disabled Children Face a Lifetime of Challenges.” The Lancet, May 21, 2005. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(05)66564-6/fulltext.
Rousseau-Harrison, Kate, and Annie Rochette. Impacts of wheelchair acquisition on children from a person-occupation …, March 29, 2012. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/17483107.2012.670867.
UN Sustainable Development Group. “UNSDG | Count Me in: Working Together for Disability Inclusion in Guatemala.” United Nations. Accessed October 31, 2023. https://unsdg.un.org/latest/blog/count-me-working-together-disability-inclusion-guatemala.
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