“Ability instead of disability”
Our guiding principle: to recognize people’s potential, their existing abilities and to develop them through the use of aids.
A customized wheelchair provides independent mobility, reduces health complications, and relieves caregivers. Thanks to the expertise of our staff and our wide range of wheelchairs, we can guarantee professional and needs-based care.
Every year, we provide over 200 additional aids, including rollators and walking sticks, therapy materials such as sitting and standing aids, communication aids and wheelchair traction devices. When the aids are handed out, the beneficiaries, specialists and carers receive an introduction to the proper use of the aids.
Our repair service ensures the long-term use of these valuable tools. Thanks to our extensive range of spare parts from Switzerland, we are able to repair almost any model.
We carry out around 2000 repairs every year.
Our partner organization rollaid collects wheelchairs and additional aids such as rollators, walkers, crutches, toilet chairs, etc., which cannot be reused in Switzerland. These are reconditioned as part of a program for the social and professional integration of young people and young adults, then loaded into containers and shipped to Ethiopia.
A large part of the donated mobility aids comes from the Swiss Disability Insurance (IV) aid depots, which are managed by the Swiss Working Group for Aids for the Disabled and Aged (SAHB). Other suppliers are specialized stores in the field of rehabilitation technology, institutions for elderly and disabled people as well as many private persons. The material is supplied by rollaid to Addis Guzo free of charge.
Many families with disabled children live in extreme poverty and receive hardly any material or medical/therapeutic support. Social stigmatization is an additional burden and often leads to the children being hidden, neglected or even abandoned. Help and support often come too late.
Addis Guzo has been doing pioneering work in the field of early intervention and pediatric physiotherapy in Ethiopia since 2020.
These are our programs:
Our brains and bodies are most receptive to therapeutic intervention in early childhood. Therefore, early intervention is key to developing the full potential of a child with developmental delays or disabilities. We rely on international best practices and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. In addition to physical therapy, the therapy program includes adaptive play, functional communication, sensory integration and occupational therapy. Families are actively involved in the therapeutic process. Siblings are always welcome and included in therapy when possible. Individualized home exercise programs, caregiver coaching, home visits and follow-up complete the program. Our physical therapists receive ongoing training from international experts in early intervention and pediatric physiotherapy.
In pediatric physiotherapy, we mainly work according to the Bobath principles. Bobath is a physiotherapeutic approach to treating children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities. The exercises are very easy to do at home. Intensive counseling of parents and involvement of family members should help to promote active movement in everyday life and achieve the greatest possible independence for children. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs for possible school attendance are individually adapted and included in the therapy, and a wide range of therapy equipment is available. Regular follow-up care is provided after therapy is completed.
Children with complex multiple disabilities and their families need special care and support. The focus is on care, nutrition, positioning and communication with the children. The group provides a safe environment for parents. They can exercise with their children, share their experiences, talk about their concerns and feel part of an understanding community.
Our barrier-free playground is an integral part of the therapy program. It provides a variety of sensory and physical experiences for the children in rehab, their siblings and the children in the neighborhood. This is especially important since many children with disabilities spend much of their lives isolated in their homes. Being outdoors is usually a completely new and invaluable experience for the children and their caregivers.
“Helping people to help themselves”
People with disabilities in Ethiopia face considerable stigma. This not only limits their educational and employment opportunities, but also leads to their general marginalization in society and an increased risk of poverty. In addition to the provision of assistive devices and therapeutic services, improving their educational situation is crucial to ensuring their future employability and independence. Our educational programs promote the skills needed to lead independent lives, develop individual potential, and build resilience.
Under the shelter of Addis Guzo, women with disabilities have been successfully earning a living for themselves and their families for more than 10 years. They organize the work in their workshops independently and are responsible for transparent and correct accounting. We provide the necessary infrastructure, barrier-free access to a clean and safe workplace, training and coaching. The three workshops produce toys, cloth diapers and clothing by hand, which stand out from the usual market offerings due to their high quality and uniqueness. Their products are available in Addis Ababa at handicraft markets and directly from the workshops, and in Switzerland from Christine Oberli.
christine.oberli@addisguzo.com
The WHO describes life skills as basic abilities that enable people to develop their potential and master their lives. Many of our clients lack basic experiences, impressions, encounters and information due to lack of education and years of isolation. Access to information is crucial, but it is not enough to change behavior. For this reason, in addition to providing information, we plan and conduct our courses to promote self-competence. So far, we have only offered our courses to women. However, the role of men is just as important in changing society. In the new phase of the project, we are expanding our offerings to include courses for men.
If you are looking for physical fitness, team spirit and competition, the twice-weekly wheelchair basketball practices are for you. The energy, joie de vivre and competitive spirit of the 40 men and women radiate far beyond the court. Each year, the two teams participate in several competitions and achieve great success. Both the men’s and women’s teams have secured the title of national champions in 2023. Some of the players are members of the national team. We are now organizing coach and referee training for selected team members. Our sports and dance coaches live with physical disabilities and are inspiring role models.
Contemporary dance offers participants a unique creative opportunity for self-expression and physical activity. The focus on fluid movement, creativity and self-expression promotes physical and emotional strength. Individual boundaries fade into the background. Participants can experience community and a sense of belonging in dance groups. Since 2018, our dance groups have been inspiring audiences with their ambitious performances and have received much recognition for their achievements.
Children with spina bifida are now taught in dance and sports groups, which are an integral part of the rehabilitation program. Yohannes, our junior dance instructor, has already had his first experience working with children.
Center of Excellence for mobility aid provision, pediatric physiotherapy & early childhood intervention.
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