07/12/2025
We were very grateful to the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center in Sanga, outside Kathmandu, for having us on 3 December after the International Disability Day Rally.
It was a particularly poignant visit for Dave, who had gone through initial rehab in Zimbabwe following his own life-changing injury at the age of 21.
We had a glimpse of the excellent, holistic work being done at the centre: from admitting patients after serious accidents, to therapy, counselling, and preparation for life back home with a halfway house and track for developing wheelchair skills.
In the Physio and Occupational Therapy hall and the Prosthetics and Orthotics room, the staff were very interested in the design of the gloves Dave makes for wheelchair users, with a robust pad for gripping wheels, a leather strip for braking, and an easy Velcro fastening.
Dave said it brought back memories from Zimbabwe of the challenges of providing such specialized healthcare in lower-income countries, at a pivotal moment in people’s lives. If all the elements – physiotherapy, wheelchairs, pressure relief cushions, catheters, leg bags, gloves… – can be brought together, they will increase the chances of future independent living.
