1. KEY ISSUES IN ASSISTIVE PRODUCTS PROVISIONING AVAILABILITY, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE FOR CHILDREN WHEELCHAIRS AND SPECIAL SEATINGS Xavier Lemire

2. IMPORTED PRODUCTS VS LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS

3. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTED PRODUCTS USED BY HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL

8. EXAMPLES OF LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS

9. POLYPROPILENE

10. LATERAL RIGID SUPPORTS

11. PLASTER TECHNOLOGY

12. CORNER SEATS

13. PLYWOOD

14. CARDBOARD

15. PLASTIC BUCKETS

16. WHEELED FRAMES

18. AVAILABILITY IMPORTED PRODUCTS * ADVANTAGE – QUALITY – SECURITY – USUALLY WITH GOOD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS * DISADVANTAGE ‒COSTLY ‒DELAYS WITH TRANSPORT AND CUSTOMS ‒NO SUSTAINABILITY AT MID TERM

19. AVAILABILITY LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS * ADVANTAGE – LOW COST – INCREASE LOCAL SKILLS – BETTER SUSTAINABILITY AT MID TERM * DISADVANTAGE ‒SLOW PRODUCTION ‒QUALITY IS MORE AT RISK ‒SECURITY IS MORE AT RIK ‒GOOD FOAM FOR POSTURAL SUPPORT DEVICES IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO FIND

20. REPAIRS IMPORTED PRODUCTS Difficult to repair Products are not delivered with spare parts LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS Easier to repair Spare parts available

21. MAINTENANCE Maintenance is very important for the durability and security of the product User, family or carer need training on maintenance, as well for community workers Importance of follow-up and community support for check and training Simple tools to tigh bolts and nuts, spokes, air pump for tires and oil are not always provided to make regular maintenance

22. CONCLUSION HIGH LEVEL TECHNOLOGY FILL THE GAP LOCALLY MADE TECHNOLOGY

23. CONCLUSION IN ANY CASE RESPECT THE WHO RECOMMANDATIONS ON WHEELCHAIR PROVIDING RESPECT THE 8 STEPS TO PROVIDE WHEELCHAIRS AND SEATINGS PROFFESSIONALS (P&O, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS) NEED TRAININGS

24. THANK YOU