Location
We are located in the state of Mexico, about three hours northwest of Mexico City in rural, agricultural, high altitude (8,500 feet). The weather is cool and dry, and the views are awesome. The people who live in this rustic yet scenic area are indigenous Mazahuan Indians. They majority of them are poor, humble, and uneducated, but proud of their heritage, hard working, and dedicated to improve their quality of life. We are here to help them.
(Yellow Area indicates state of Mexico)
PROVIDING WHEELCHAIRS TO THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE THEM
We collect used wheelchairs throughout the U.S., refurbish them, transport them to Mexico, and give them to the impoverished people who can’t afford wheelchairs. Considering the price of gasoline, storage, transportation, and refurbishing used wheelchairs, it costs approximately $200 per wheelchair to pick it up, refurbish it and send it to Mexico. We also purchase some wheelchairs in Mexico, as we have found companies in Mexico that make quality, durable, dependable every-day wheelchairs, designed to be used in the rough terrain of rural Mexico. We are also refurbishing used wheelchairs in Mexico that are given to us by those we donate wheelchairs to.
If you have a wheelchair that is in good condition, that needs little repair, we will gladly receive it, and get it to someone who truly needs it. We also invite volunteers who join us in Mexico to travel with a wheelchair, crutches walker or cane and personally deliver it. Also, we are always looking for sports-type, light-weight wheelchairs, as we they are not avabilable in Mexico. For more information contact Richard@WorldAccessProject.org or call World Access Project at (520) 343-4402.
Your life will never be the same once you’ve seen someone’s face light up as they realize, now for the first time in their life, they have mobility, and you gave it to them.
Camps
We host sports camps and clinic throughout Mexico. Our Amigos Verdaderos Camp (True Friends) is held every year in August in the area where we’re based (northwest corner of the state of Mexico). In Decmeber we host a sports camp and internationally sanctioned wheelchair tennsi tournament in Mazatlan (west coast). In April, in Puerto Vallarta (south of Mazatlan) we host a week-long wheelchair distribution and host one-day sports & recreation clinic. Throughout the year, in various locations throughout Mexico, we do sports exhibitions to schools, local goverments and communities. During the camps participants have the opportunity to meet others who use wheelchairs. They share their experiences, feelings and concerns. They make new friends, share their lives, help each other, and develop a support system.
Many people we donate wheelchair to have been stuck in their houses for years because of their disability. Once they receive their first wheelchair they have no idea what they can do with their new mobility. If we don’t teach them they will continue to sit in their homes – using the wheelchair. During the camps both abled-bodied and disabled volunteers help expand their horizons. We start with the basic recreational, fun activities, show them how to exercise, and teach them sports they never knew they could play! Through these camps many have learned job skills, regularly train and compete in sports events. They have become more independent and have a better quality of life.
Participants in the camps have excelled greatly in their abilities. Near our home-base 10-15 people who use wheelchairs practice tennis weekly. Mazatlan and Culiacan also have teams who play tennis and other sports. The best players from Mexico have been sponsored by us to come to the U.S. to play in the Southwest Desert Classic, an International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Each player has returned to Mexico with a trophy!
You don’t need to be an athlete or speak Spanish to volunteer in a camp. You just need to be an encourager, be willing share yourself with others, and have fun! For more information about volunteering go to our Volunteer Application. For dates of our upcoming camps go to our Calendar.
Testimonials
Leticia (Leti) was 17 years old, contracted polio as a baby, lived in a small house on a dirt road located in the middle of a corn field in rural Mexico. The only time she went anywhere is when one of her family members carried her. In 1997 Richard (the director of World Access Project) gave Leti her first wheelchair. Her beautiful smile, her positive attitude, and her appreciation changed Richard’s life. He began returning to Mexico every year, driving a van from Colorado, to give away wheelchairs and teaching them how to use them. With her new mobility, Leti obtained a full-time job, married and has two children. Her 6 year old, Cecilia, calls Richard ’Abuelito’ (Grandpa). Valentin, her son, is three years old.
Marta, was 40 years old and used an old wheelchair with push handles. After three days of participating in a camp in Mazatlan, and receiving a new wheelchair, she learned that she could play sports and be more independent. At the end of the camp she told us, “I don’t need need these push handles any more, and I don’t need to be pushed around amy more on my wheelchair, I can push myself”.
There are many stories like Leticia’s and Marta’s. Many volunteers lifes have been changed too! They return year after year to help and encourage those who have so little. They always return home thinking the received more than they gave. You too are invited to come and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Your life will be forever changed because of the impact you make in other people’s lives and because of their gratitude.
See How We are Helping
CNN Heroes
Free wheelchairs give new life to rural Mexicans
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/04/28/cnnheroes.st.denis.wheelchairs/index.html
A caring attitude, a warm smile, and some encouragement is all it takes to make a difference in someone else’s live.
Join us and You will be Blessed Too!
