Relief Activity for the People with Disabilities affected by Typhoon Yolanda - Provision of the Assistive Devices in Tacloban City-

Based on the needs study, which was conducted in February in Tacloban City, Leyte, Mr. Abner Manlapaz, President of Manila Independent Living Center, had made the necessary assistive devices at the local wheelchair factory, and provide them to the affected persons with disabilities on June 28^th. This support project is being conducted by DPI Japan in collaboration with the Yumekaze fund.

Until the day the provision was made available, Mr. Abner had cooperated with the local organizations to make the activities sustainable in the area. As a result, the white canes were provided by the organization of persons with disabilities in the Philippine, Akapinoi foundation. The coordination with the recipients was conducted by the Division of Social Work of City Hall and TAPDICO, the community based self help group of persons with disabilities, who cooperated with our study visit in February.

The following devices were provided for 18 persons on the 22 persons list.

Crutches: 8 pairs

Wheelchairs: 10 cars

White canes: 4

Mobile phones for use by the blind: 2

Regarding the 4 persons who had not been provided devices, we consigned the work to Mr. Marlu Sabate, a key person of the Division of the Social Work. Furthermore, 5 wheelchairs, not prepared at this time and one costume wheelchair, of which the necessity was just discovered during this visit, will be discussed with consideration of the remaining funds. Updates will be posted on this blog.

Photo1:Provided Wheelchairs and Cratches

Photo2:Mr. Abner, Life Heaven Association, and Recipient children