One person can only do so much
The work comes out better when someone with the right skills is at the bench too, someone who knows fitting, or controls, or where to get parts.
Inspired by e-NABLE
e-NABLE is a worldwide network of volunteers who design and build free or low-cost assistive devices. Some are engineers, some just like making things. Much of their work is shared openly, so someone on the other side of the world can pick up a design and adapt it to whatever they've got.
That's close to how this workshop already runs, and we keep learning from it as we find our own way of doing things here in Turbat, Balochistan, Pakistan.
Who we'd like to work with
We're just starting, and there's plenty we can't do on our own yet. These are the people who'd help most.
Clinics and hospitals
Physiotherapy units and rehab clinics who see people needing wheelchairs or braces, and can point them our way for repairs and fitting.
Universities and engineering departments
Students and teachers in mechanical or biomedical fields who want to test ideas on real problems, and share what they know.
Disability and rehabilitation NGOs
Groups already working with people with disabilities in Balochistan, so a repair or a fitted brace reaches the person who needs it.
Prosthetics and orthotics specialists
People trained in fitting limbs and braces, who can help us get the details right and check that what we make is safe.
Tool and materials suppliers
Suppliers of tools and parts, including salvaged ones. A lot of our work starts from old motorbike and machine parts.
Individual volunteers
Engineers, people who work in healthcare, anyone who likes making things. Even a few hours or some advice helps while we're getting going.
If any of this fits, write to us
You don't need a formal programme or a big budget. A conversation is enough to start. Tell us what you do and how you'd like to help, and we'll work out a sensible next step together.
We'll list partners and supporters here as they join.
If you'd like to work with us
Whether you run an organisation or you're one person with a useful skill, we'd be glad to hear from you.