Association of Mobility Providers to Hold Second Annual Conference in Guatemala

by Marc Krizack (krizack@sfsu.edu)

The Association of Mobility Providers (AMP) will hold its second annual conference in Chimaltenango, Guatemala November 6-10, 2000.

AMP was formed in 1999 by organizations and individuals who distribute refurbished wheelchairs in developing countries.  Although organized by Christian-based organizations, AMP is a non-sectarian association open to all organizations and individuals interested in collaborating on mobility issues in the developing world.  "We don't see AMP as a Christian organization," said Hudson Moore, one of AMP's co-chairs.  Another of AMP's co-chairs, Mark Richard of Hopehaven International, noted that the AMP conference provides "a great opportunity to see the cooperation of those with the same goals but different philosophies."  The 1999 conference, said Richard, "was a chance to see that though we may go about our work differently, we have a mutual respect for one another.  Our goal now is to make this an annual event."

The 2000 AMP conference will also include representatives from organizations which promote local production of wheelchairs rather than donations of refurbished wheelchairs.  One issue for discussion will be how refurbished wheelchairs can be donated in a manner which does not destroy the market demand for locally built wheelchairs.   (See "International Wheelchair Donors and Producers Seek Common Ground in a Global Hamlet" in this issue of DisabilityWorld.)

1999 Conference attracted 200
The 2000 conference will be held at the Guatemalan Bible Seminary in Chimaltenango, the same location where it was held in 1999.  Last year, nearly 200 physical therapists, wheelchair mechanics and caregivers from around the world attended.  Most came from Central America, but the United States, Britain, and Colombia were also represented.  The participants attended workshops on wheelchair seating and positioning for both children and adults as well as a number of other related workshops.  Attendees also visited a local wheelchair shop run by people with disabilities and a center for occupational therapy.

2000 Conference to feature clinics, workshops & tours
This year's conference will include clinics, workshops, and tours on Wheelchair Sports, Pediatric Seating & Positioning, Special Nutrition, CPR Methods & Certification, Methods for Constructing Adaptive Seating & Innovative Materials, Wheelchair Refurbishing & Modifications, Wound & Urology Care, Appropriate Seating, Distribution, Manufacturing, Follow-ups and Home Visitation Organizing to Work in 3rd World Countries, Outpatient Rehab Center, Pediatric Wheelchair Distribution with Home for Abandoned Children, and Wheelchair Repair Shop.

The registration fee is US$45 per person for each of the first two people from an organization, and US$20 per person after that.  For US$25 per day or US$100 per week, dormitory accommodations will be provided.  Hotel rooms near the conference center are also available for from US$25 to US$50 per night.  For more information, contact Hudson Moore at conf@mobilityproviders.org.