Wheelchairs in Paraguay, part 1 - SENADIS

Church-donated wheelchairs
in a warehouse in Paraguay

We are just back from spending a fascinating week in Paraguay (Nov 18-22). The work in that country isn't directly part of our official "stewardship" at this point. In the past, the missionaries assigned to our position have covered projects not in just Argentina but also Paraguay and Uruguay. However, earlier this year a local, native service missionary couple were called in each of those countries to take over the duties. The situation in Paraguay is currently complicated by having lost that couple (called to serve in the temple presidency), so the future needs are uncertain.

Meanwhile, there is a good amount of catch-up work to be done, so we were in Paraguay to be trained by a visiting wheelchair project coordinator visiting from SLC.  We may need to return again to help with getting caught up. The wheelchair project is one of six "major initiatives" in the LDS Charities worldwide outreach. As missionaries serving in the field, we don't define or administer the programs that occur in our countries; but we do a number of things to support them.

The Church has established working relationships with two organizations in Paraguay. One is a government-directed group called SENADIS; the other is a NGO called Fundacion Solidaridad. We had the chance to view the operation of each and evaluate their work.

SENADIS is an acronym (of sorts) for "Servicio Nacional de la Discapacidad" - the government branch that focuses on the needs of citizens with disabilities. The wheelchair operation of SENADIS is one of the efforts of a large public health medical complex in Asunción. In general, the government-run "public" operations focus more on the poorer people, while private facilities with better care are available for those willing to pay more.

Click to enlarge

One of the first things we witnessed was the operation and process as a woman in need of a wheelchair was brought in to be evaluated. She was paralyzed from the waist down. We were able to see how the SENADIS personnel deal with each individual in need, one at a time, as they come to the clinic for help. She was carefully evaluated and measured, checked for body strength and equilibrium. Then a particular type of chair was recommended, and it was quickly assembled and prepared for her. She was given personalized training and instructions. The entire process took maybe an hour and a half.

It was insightful to see. But the best thing was witnessing the joy of the little family, as their wife and mother regained mobility and ability. We think the two cute daughters were more excited than their mother was! What a difference this nice, sturdy chair will make for them.

One of our main purposed in coming to Paraguay was to evaluate how effective our partners are in working with the wheelchairs. The Church has defined some processes that help ensure the best wheelchair (from three different models and a number of configurable options on each) is assigned to the person, and that the person is given adequate training on how to use and care for the chair.

In order to monitor that process, we do "follow-up interviews" with a portion of the chair recipients once they have had a few months to use their chairs. We generally visit them in their homes, and ask some questions about the process of receiving the chair (to ensure proper procedure is being followed by the partner organization), and about how well the chair is working for them. These are such wonderful opportunities to see how the donation of a wheelchair has made a difference.

This fascinating man worked as a carpenter until he lost his legs. His first wheelchair (right) enabled him to go back to work, in his home shop. He wore that one out and is now in his second.

Young fellow with cerebral palsy. He has an adapted chair perfect for outdoor conditions and is able to get around the yard of his home. He helps run a small shop at the front of the yard selling things to passers-by.

Another amputee who is very grateful for the mobility his chair provides. We seem to see a lot of people who are dealing with the consequences of diabetes.

We met this man on the grounds of the SENADIS facility, where he had come for a medical checkup, and had a nice interview with him. His left side is paralyzed from a stroke, but he has good mobility using his right arm and leg to control the chair.

The final event of our visit with SENADIS was an interesting meeting with a man who holds a high government position called "minister" that was explained to us as being comparable to a cabinet-level role in the USA. His name is César Augusto Martínez Fariña and he is responsible for all issues in Paraguay dealing with human rights and persons with disabilities. We were able to report to him on the good things being done by SENADIS as our wheelchair partner, and to request some ongoing support and improvements in facilities for the group.

It was interesting to have this man tell us about his personal experience in having been invited to the Paraguay Temple open house, which recently concluded (after significant temple renovations). He was deeply impressed by the temple and its message of eternal families, and said he ponders that concept again every time he drives by the building (which is prominently located in downtown Asunción).