Assistive Technology Devices

Owing, in part, to the two decade war that ravaged northern Uganda coupled with rising rates of chronic health conditions, disability prevalence is rising in the region.
According to the Uganda Disability Survey(UDS) 2025, conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Lango sub region in northern Uganda recorded the highest disability prevalence rate at 17.4% with the majority of these cases being individuals with walking disability amongst other impairments. In accordance with the vision to promote inclusive communities, Community Focus International, from inception, has been engaged in provision of assistive mobility devices customized for different individuals or persons with disability in the districts of Oyam, Lira, Kole, Omoro and Lira city. In addition to the fabrication of wheelchairs, CFI also provides other assistive and technology mobility devices that include walking trolleys, clutches, prosthetics/ artificial limbs and eye glasses in a comprehensive process that involves the contributions of orthopaedic technicians, physiotherapists and social workers to effectively resolve the mobility needs of the beneficiaries. These mobility devices are given to children to enable them be able to go to school and get an education. Persons with disability when empowered in this way are able to re-integrate in their communities and have meaningful contribution in their communities with regards to decision making, accessing social capital, employment opportunities for social and business development hence promoting meaningful inclusivity.

In collaboration with partners and local leaders in the communities we engage, people with special needs are involved right from the start. This process involves identification of persons with disability, assessment using customized questionnaire tools, enrolment, training and follow up of the beneficiaries. Across all the processes, special focus is put on the provision of psychosocial support to the individuals supported and their caretakers and family. Dedicated and qualified staff provide care to those supported and referrals are also made in particular cases for further intensive care and support. From 2017, CFI has provided 517 wheelchairs to identified people with special needs including children and the elderly across the five districts of implementation in northern Uganda. On an ongoing basis, community outreaches are carried out for continued identification, assessments and enrolment of identified individuals for support. This has been made possible through individual contributions, partnerships and donations from local and international partners. Over 2000 eyeglasses have been provided to individuals with visual impairments with the generous support of Global Vision 2020 who have been a key partner in the provision of eye glasses. Join us in making hope, restoration and inclusion a reality for millions of persons with special needs in northern Uganda.