40 years ago, while working in Asia, I witnessed first-hand the limited lives of many children with disabilities (often lying on mats or cots) because they did not have access to wheelchairs. I knew that if I did anything in this world, it would be to provide appropriate wheelchairs for children who needed them.

As many as 10 million children worldwide need a wheelchair, according to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates. Even when a child has a wheelchair, it can be poorly fit, uncomfortable, can limit function, and even cause harm. Some children with disabilities cannot move around in their homes and communities, some are unable to breathe well, eat safely, communicate effectively, socialize, or attend school because of their challenges.

Customized wheelchairs are life-changing for these children—but fitting them properly is critical. The work is complex and requires special training. The wheelchairs need to be specially designed and fit for each child for optimal posture, function, and independence. Organizations around the world are doing extraordinary work providing wheelchairs, but there is a gap in meeting those with the most significant needs.

In 2010 I wrote and published the book, Special Seating: An Illustrated Guide—an easy-to-use instructional manual that fills that gap. The book has been broadly used, but it has mostly reached well-resourced countries. It’s time to get the information into the hands of practitioners in places that need it the most.

I am personally donating 100 cases of books—1800 books in all—to 75 programs in less-resourced countries that have confirmed their need and desire. But I cannot cover the cost of shipping the books, which runs $300-$400 per case through the US Postal Service. By donating here, you can provide these practitioners with the information they need to serve their disabled populations. Some of the countries involved are Botswana, Colombia, Guatemala, India, the Philippines, Uganda, and Ukraine. The organizations identified are not only providing wheelchairs but also training their practitioners using the WHO Wheelchair Service Basic and Intermediate Training Packages. Unfortunately, complex wheelchair users—such as those with cerebral palsy and head injury causing spasticity, spinal deformities, and joint contractures—need a more advanced approach. My book helps to fill that void. LET’S GET THOSE BOOKS OUT TO WHERE THEY CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

About Jean Anne Zollars

Jean Anne is a highly respected physical therapist with a clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Masters in Rehabilitation Technology, and is a sought-after practitioner and teacher of the Visceral and Neural Manipulation therapies of French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral. She has been working and teaching in the field of seating and mobility since 1986, both in the United States and overseas in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Malaysia, Russia, and Mexico. She helped to create the Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Curriculum through the APTA’s Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy https://www.neuropt.org/education---conferences/physical-therapy-educators/wheelchair-seating-and-mobility-curriculum.

Jean Anne lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her work integrates Visceral, Cranial, and Nerve Manipulation with seating and mobility. She treats adults and children, but working with babies and children is her passion.

About the book

Jean Anne is the author and publisher of the book (Prickly Pear Publications) and owns the copyright. The book was translated and published in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. The books are stored and in excellent condition.

The book title is:

Special Seating: An Illustrated Guide (https://seatingzollars.com/)

ISBN# 978-1-4507-3735-7

Value of each donated book: $69.95

Weight of a case of books: Just under 44 lbs.

Where your money goes:

$100: 1/3 of the shipping cost for a case of books

$200: 2/3 of the shipping cost for a case of books

$300: Ship 1 case of books to specific projects such as those in India, Colombia, Guatemala, Philippines, or China

$400: Ship 1 case of books to specific projects such as those in Botswana, Uganda, or Ukraine

Logistics:

The work has been done, and I am committed to getting these books where they belong. I have spent significant time researching the best way to ship the books and at what cost, as well as communicating with recipients and confirming the desire, need, and plans for using the books.

Each time we raise enough money to ship a case of books, I will purchase and print a shipping label and Customs form and bring it to my local post office to send. I have already confirmed with USPS, in person, the size, weight, and ability to ship cases to various destinations using specific, available services (e.g. Priority Mail International).

What donors receive in return for their donations:

Besides a personal thank you from myself, Jean Anne, I will provide an update on when and where I have shipped the books and when the books have reached their destinations.

Other ways to help:

• If you know of individuals who are travelling to various countries and are willing to bring a case of 18 books and deliver to the projects, please contact me.

• If you are unable to donate, please share this GoFundMe page with those who may be interested and able to donate.