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October,
2001
Equip
K.I.D.S. (Kids In Developing Societies)
International was formed by three like-minded young women who
found the ability to create change and opportunity.
The venture began when I, Dana Corfield, now Executive
Director of Equip K.I.D.S, left for South America to travel and
work.Once settled in Cusco, Peru, I began working in a pediatric
rehabilitation centre - the only one of its kind in the
country.
While I was very impressed with the facility itself, I was
immediately struck by the fact that there were only 2 worn-down
adult wheelchairs for a total of 50 children residing at the
centre (of which only 5 could walk unaided). I was also surprised
that there was no use of alternative or augmentative communication
(AAC) despite the numerous bright yet nonverbal children living at
and visiting the clinic. Essentially, most of the children spent
the majority of the day in bed (due to the lack of seating and
mobility aids) and many were nowhere near their communicative
potential.
I was devastated and moved by the thought of being a bright, young
child stuck in bed all day with no way to communicate. I
immediately began trying to acquire wheelchairs and other
assistive devices for the children. However, working as an
individual in an unfamiliar developing country, I found this very
difficult. But with a little persistence and the help of a few
determined individuals (that is, Emma Carter, currently
Administrative Director, and Terresa Hunter, currently Director of
Fundraising) we finally had some success.
We began accepting donations, building, sewing and repairing, and
between January, 2001 and October, 2001 we were able to provide
the children with:
- 5 wheelchairs complete with custom seating and desktop
- 4 additional wheelchairs
- 4 additional wheelchair trays
- 7 strollers
- 3 walkers
- cushions and pillows for custom positioning other specialized
seating and toys
We are very pleased with what we have
been able to achieve as individuals, with little funding and
resources. We are even more excited about what we will now be able
to achieve having come together to form Equip K.I.D.S
International.
Dana
Corfield
Executive Director
Equip K.I.D.S International
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