One World Project's Wheelchair Skills Training Camp in Morocco - effects of a community peer-based programme

The aim of this study was to assess wheelchair skills of persons with physical disabilities who attended the first Wheelchair Skills and Empowerment Camp in Morocco and their satisfaction with manual wheelchairs provided for the camp activities.

19 persons (13 male and 6 female) with physical disabilities took part in the project. The average time since injury or illness was 24 years. To assess wheelchair skills/user satisfaction, the researchers used the Queensland Evaluation of Wheelchair Skills test and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology.

Study participants improved their overall wheelchair mobility skills (p = 0.002; d = 0.20), especially their ability to ascend and descend a ramp (p = 0.012; d = 0.67). The participants reported significantly greater satisfaction with the new provided wheelchairs in comparison to their own wheelchairs in regard to five satisfaction items; i.e., ease in adjusting (p = 0.011; d = 0.96), safety and security (p = 0.014; d = 0.97), durability (p = 0.037; d = 0.81), ease to use (p = 0.045; d = 0.87), and comfort (p = 0.006; d = 1.03).

Findings of this study indicate that persons with physical disabilities in Morocco need structured training in wheelchair skills and better-quality wheelchairs. The study also confirmed that community peer-based programmes in low-resource countries can play a significant role in rehabilitation of persons with physical disabilities, even many years after their injury or illness.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe One World project educated local persons with disabilities and government officials about the need for buying appropriate wheelchairs and for providing them according to the World Health Organization guidelines.19 persons who use wheelchairs participated in 6-days of wheelchair skills training sessions, which were led by three peer mentors who use a wheelchair: two with spinal cord injury, and one with polio complications.The 19 participants, who had lived with their disabilities on average for 24 years, advanced their general wheelchair mobility skills, which was assessed through a practical test.The results confirmed that community peer-based programmes in low-resource countries are important for improving wheelchair skills not only when beginning rehabilitation but even after individuals live many years with a disability.