UGANDAN PEOPLE - A BOOK ON UNDERSTANDING THEIR CULTURE...

THE BOOK

The book “Ugandan Society Observed” is a selection of Kevin’s best newspaper articles over the last 13 years. The 262 page book contains 111 articles, divided into 14 subject chapters (Religion; Sex and Love; Language; Sport; Music; Education; Media; Poverty and Inequality; Health; Tobacco; Gender and Sexual Orientation; Bazungu and Aid; The Environment; Pot Pourri). Each chapter contains a cartoon by the Monitor’s Moses Balagadde, together with a striking front cover cartoon.



THE AUTHOR

Kevin O’Connor was born in London in 1952. He obtained an MA in Economics from Cambridge University and then spent two and a half years as a volunteer (VSO) teacher in a village in Northern Nigeria . This was followed by a 20-year career with the British Council, with his last posting as its Deputy Director in Uganda . Kevin and his wife Sue, a professional photographer, returned independently to Uganda in 1997 and Kevin began his weekly Roving Eye column, initially in the Sunday Vision and then in the Sunday Monitor. The column has become an acclaimed part of the Ugandan media. Kevin and Sue are also accomplished volunteer athletics coaches.



REVIEWS

Reviews include:



“Forget the travel guide books about Uganda . If If you want insight into the country's media, music, development assistance, foreigners (whites) and sex-life, this collection of articles from the column "Roving Eye" is more entertaining and just as interesting.” Bistandsaktuelt (Norwegian monthly newspaper on Aid and Development)



“Visitors looking for a general read about contemporary Uganda to complement the travel info in the Bradt Guide are pointed to Ugandan Society Observed, a collection of essays written by Kevin O’Connor AKA “The Roving Eye”, the outspoken columnist for The Sunday Vision and more recently The Sunday Monitor.” Philip Briggs The Bradt Travel Guide – Uganda (Internet Update)



"Being Ugandan is more than skin deep. After more than a decade of living in Uganda , no matter how blond one's hair is and how pale their skin is, one is bound to take on all the characteristics of a Ugandan through and through. Kevin has produced a book that anyone coming to Uganda for the first time, and wants to bring themselves up to speed, should buy as a matter of importance." Sunday Monitor, Uganda



"Agree or disagree with him, this book is guaranteed to give you plenty of good reflection as well as great entertainment." Fr. Carlos Rodriguez, Leadership Magazine



“Ugandan Society Observed is a classic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations to Kevin.” Rachel Magoola (Ugandan Pop Star)



PURCHASE OPTIONS

Bookshops in Uganda e.g. Aristoc (Ug Sh 15,000).



Websites for purchase include:



Amazon www.amazon.com; Michigan State University www.msupress.msu.edu; Barnes and Noble www.bn.com; the African Books Collective www.africanbookscollective.com. The publisher's website www.fountainpublishers.co.ug (prices vary between websites)



And to hire Research Assistants and Field Officers Contact dishma.imhs@gmail.com or Call +256774336277


To attend Vipassana Meditation Technique in Uganda, book your place via Purna Wasti

And to donate to Dishma Community Advancement Programs let us know through dishma.imhs@gmail.com or call +256752542504

RE: DISHMA INC. PRESS STATEMENT

Dishma Inc. (Decision making and Situation Health Management -Incorporated) was founded in 2008 to give guidance for attainment of personal and community competitiveness in toughest times for human and ecological sustainable development. The basis of that were the ever-challenging human afflictions –resulting from poor interaction with the eco-system and decision-making.

Diseases, civil strive; suicide, misery, poverty and hopelessness were until now the order of the day. Dishma Inc., thus, came into existence to reduce the damage on both humans and environment through sustainable utilization of ecological resources and power of the mind.

Records from the prime ministers office show that, since 1979, drought and famine has affected over 3.2 million Ugandans annually. In 2007, floods adversely affected 2 million people, particularly in Teso sub-region and displaced 300,000 people, while in 1^st march landslides in Bududa buried about 300 people and displaced 10,000 people. Yet, there were some other forms of disasters that included fires, accidents due to buildings and those involving vehicles, epidemics like Ebola,  Hepatitis E, Influenza, Marburg, plant pests and diseases. Because of armed conflict between 1986 and 2006, close to 2 million people were displaced in the greater north. Climate change has led to drought, floods and diseases (office of the prime minister 2010:22).

In neighbouring Kenya, some 1,500 people were killed and another 300,000 displaced in a matter of weeks after the presidential polls in which President Mwai Kibaki was accused of having stolen the vote (Africannewslive, 2010).

The result of the 1991 UN-endorsed Gulf War was massive loss of lives only to serve the interests of a handful –Bush II and Blair. Moreover in March 2003, without authorization from the UN enshrined in article 42 of the charter, they went ahead to mentally and physically maim Iraq population (Halliday, 2005). Yet against all that, humanity needs a peaceful and predictable environment conducive for prosperity, and attainment of life dreams (peace, harmony and happiness) –when approaches to their achievement are holistic.

It provided the following services; change management, rehabilitation, community based interventions, mental health assessments, community emancipation, participation, and research initiatives and support –through productive networking and partnership development. Its operations are based in the country’s capital city, Kampala –from where it coordinates research and partnership concerns with sister organizations else where in the world.

Through the test of time, it made advancements to more aggressive journaling, public health development, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and human rights.

Because of the tough economic challenges amidst so many projects to undertake, Dishma Inc. resorted to formulation of viable income generating projects. Some of these included; brokerage services, products and network marketing.

The income generated from the proposed business projects was meant to ensure sustainability of current project as well as to materialize new ideas in line with human and ecological development.

Dishma Inc. does not view the whole as only rotating around it but of abundant human resources to integrate its work with to make pursued for human and ecological development possible. It relishes working with every prosperity and peace-loving individuals to make the world a harmonious place for every one to live in. I hope this press release gives us an opportunity to interact more, share experiences, and further mutual and multilateral cooperation.

Waiswa Jacob

Founder,

Dishma Inc.

dishma.imhs@gmail.com




SERVICES OFFERED AT DISHMA INC. - STARTING 2011

• Mental Health Assessments
• Behavioral Change Administration
• Cultural Competence Training
• Career Guidance
• General Counseling
• Public Health Development
• Conflict Transformation
• Community-based Intervention
• Biographical Literature Compilation and Authoring
• Projects Design and Development
• Research and Reporting
• Public Relations Support

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN UGANDA

Social Events

1) The Uganda Buddhist Centre will celebrate its 6 th anniversary on April 10, 2011. This aniversary will mark the 6 th year since the official introduction of Buddhism in Uganda by the Ven. Buddharakkhita. Please stay tuned...



2) The Uganda Buddhist Centre will celebrate The Vesak Day and International Conference on Peace and Mental Health ( ICMH) from April 29 to May 2 , 2011.

Venue: Meditation Hall, Uganda Buddhist Centre, Plot 31, Garuga Road, Bulega, Entebbe, Uganda.

The Event is Jointly organised by Wat Thai Norway, Wat Buddharam, Sweden and the Uganda Buddhist Centre, Uganda

Features of this event:

* The event will start from April 29 to May 2, 2011.
* This event is expected to gather many lay people, Buddhist monks and nuns from Europe, Asia, America, Africa and other countries.
* This event is going to attract scholars, meditation practioners, health professional and other participants from all over world.
* The cost of attending the event is FREE !!!
* The International participants will meet their International airfare expenses.
* The UBC will provide accomodation, food, beverages, and local transportion for International participants.
* The UBC will food and beverages to Ugandan participants.
* The UBC will NOT provide accomodation and local transportation to the Ugandan participants.
* The event will include, meditation sessions led by prominent Buddhist meditation teachers , Ugandan cultural shows, Dhamma Talks by the partipants, discussions, Inter-faith and Cultural tour for International partipants to all interesting places in Uganda.
* ALL Participants are advised to begin booking NOW since we have very limited space.

For further information please e-mail us at : ugandabuddhistcentre@gmail.com

Mental Health Implications of Buddhist Practice of Meditation: A Dishma Inc Experience of Vipassana Meditation Technique

By

Jacob Waiswa
www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com

Introduction

Mental health is the general state of wellness –cognitively, emotionally and behaviorally. It also entails satisfaction in different areas of life –including the physiological environment, the socio-economic environment, the socio-political environment, the cultural environment –and the spiritual environment.

Buddhism, on the other hand, is an ancient practice of achieving and preserving wisdom –which in turn facilitates eradication of suffering, misery and disease in all beings to total liberation. It arose over 2000 years ago –following Buddha Gautama’s inspirational work towards a better universe.

Through exemplary living, he inspired very many in Asia, in South America, in the West and now in Africa –in the field of science for the elite and art of living for anyone. Whoever pursued a life of compassionate love, respect of all beings –among other positive values –with the right understanding of nature –and through the practice of meditation; ably substituted psychological trauma, or psychosomatic conditions, and conflict of all forms –for complete wellness.

Objectives: The programme was set out to understand the relationship between Buddhist practice of meditation and mental health, Buddhism as religion, Buddhism contribution to wellness, Buddhism as a way of life rather than religion, a comparative analysis between Buddhism and mainstream religions and decision making in the face of spirituality and religious confusion.

Methodology:
The ten (10) day program officially began with seven participants; 3 Asian men, 2 American women 1 Ugandan lady and 1 Uganda man. Conditions set for the participants were to:
• Sit and sleep separately according to sex
• Ensure silence throughout the program
• Participate in cleanliness exercises or community service
• Dress in long dresses to the feet
• Wakeup everyday at 4.30 am to meditate for two hours, 1 hour for the next five sittings Meditation, followed by recorded 15 minute dharma talk from Goenka (replacing negative past with right and positive understanding of life) and ending with a 45 minutes sitting.

Meditation required that one:
• Sits straight, well-balanced and maintaining upright posture –with legs folded and crossed through each other.
• Observes breathe for 2days: observe the sense of air-movement through and out of the nostrils.
• Observes sensory activity around moustache (the area above the upper lip) –for another 2 days.
• Objectively becomes aware of the different stimulations around the body –including mental processes of thinking and imagination. Part-by-part observation for at least 2 minutes starts with the middle area of the scalp. Participant then takes awareness “pointer” to forehead, nose, downwards to the lips, chin, beard, front part of the neck, chest, abdomen, back of the neck, back, through the back-line, shoulders, upper-right hand, lower arm, wrist, palm, fingers, then to goes to the second arm. Participant continues to the right thigh, knee, between knee and ankle, metatarsals, toes and below the foot and, then the other limb follows. This lasts two days.
• General observation of senses from head to toes, back and forth, then review the blank or unsensed areas one area at a time for one and half days.
• Brushing or sweeping simultaneously body regions back and forth –as head, face, neck, back, chest, abdomen, limbs, and feet for a half a day. Where sensations are gross, observe one point of the body at a time (2days).
• Sweeping as in above and going back to pick on particular sensations –holding on each for at least two minutes –for one (1) day.
• Going back to the practice of observing sensations part-by-part –of the body –including blank areas and revisiting areas where sensation had just occurred (last or tenth day).

Outcomes:
Masterly of the mind and actions –through taming ego and instinct, and there was stronger reality sense –which created stress and anxiety free conditions. There was slowness to react and effectively “arrested” the tendency to crave, and negative reactions; created a sense of oneness with nature and with society, mental alertness and eased efforts to let go, calmness and relaxed states –helping to avert migraine tendencies, and greatly put off anger towards others. Participant sharply and easily recognized unfriendly behavior as it came to the fore (conscious) and ably substituted it with positive dharma lessons on positive living –with right attitude towards nature.

Supported by continued practice of the technique, rightful thinking always determined rightful action in day-to-day life. Participant was peaceful amidst challenges of social interactions –and full of love and humor –be it with family, or at work. Also at work, concentrating and productivity were high. Although spirited devotees turned ritualistic, Buddhism was either non-religious or religion by choice. It was a way of life –with amazingly positive outcomes to life-systems leading a practitioner to happiness as final destination.

Unlike religions or “other religions,” Buddhism was experiential. It had enshrined practical values yet universal that guided one to empirical results –rather than if they merely believed in an attainment of a life goal. It was applicable to day-to-day-life bids to yield harmony for oneself and others. Moreover, it was one way of empowering oneself with the tool of objective decision-making rather than if one rode on imaginations and emotions.

In conclusion:
Vipassana meditation technique can be very effective at treating psychosomatic conditions as migraines, causing behavioral change, bettering patients with ADHD, dissolving depression and anxiety states, fostering social harmony –and providing a permanent solution to environmental degradations and associated human impact. Its benefits –as much as the dangers of being out of it (its values and their practice) affect everyone –regardless of religion.

There are different practices with confirmed yet related benefits –which include 15 minutes group silence, contemplating, self imagery, positive reinforcement, and positive self-talk and masterly –among others. However, vipassana meditation technique had sustainable benefits yet holistically influencing life positively –of both human beings and other living organisms. It also dealt with ailments not at their surface, or symptomatic view but, accordingly, from the root of the case.

The Relationship between Decision Making, Level of Attachment, Circumstances at Conception and Environment in Healthy Child Development: A Case of Children Growing up in Kampala and Wakiso Districts

By
Jacob Waiswa,
Dishma Inc


Introduction:
Parenting is a responsibility one finds himself or herself under voluntarily or involuntary. During adolescence, gradual changes that may be cognitive, emotional, biological, physical and social or environment occur. The qualities of changes are influenced by how well decisions are made at different levels of interaction (cognition, instinct or biology, emotional, social and/or natural environment) in relation to one’s sexuality. It all begins at conception –through important stages of birth, special care of newborns, weaning, and child in playful stage, socialization and learning, gender roles or interests, young stardom, youthful period and adulthood.

The study explored parents’ basis of taking on the responsibilities, quality and level of attachment, parent’s ability and circumstances under which she or he conceived and the parent’s nature of the environment and lifestyle. It went on to find specific relationships between parent’s decision making and quality of attachment, circumstances at conception and attachment, nature of environment and attachment –and environmental, itself, and decision making.

Method:

The target groups were young parents (18 years to 45 years) subjected to both structured survey questions and focused group discussions (FGD); and children (8 to 18 years) that participated in FGD only. The study had 52 participants of which 33% were from urban areas, 10% (urban) and 58% rural; 40% males and 60% females. SPSS tool was used for data analysis. Appropriate questions were constructed that enabled participants –to freely and honestly speak out from their own experiences. Group focused discussions with equal number of girls and boys (2:2); and adults (women and men) =3:3 were convened guided by specific themes –regarding gender issues, human rights, risky behaviors and behavior change, relations with parents, knowledge of life goals and problem solving amidst family and environment hazards. Unique cases were also sought of how children from poor backgrounds and as for parenting care managed to succeed late in life.


Results:

Correlation between decision making and quality of attachment was significant –showed by r=0.317, where p= 0.05 < 0.022. Correlation between circumstances faced at conception and quality and level of attachment was not significant because. r=0.261, and p=0.05 < 0.05. Correlation between environment and level and quality of attachment was not significant –indicated by r=0.124, when p=0.05 < 0.381. Correlation between environment and decision making was not significant –determined by r=0.187, p=0.05 < 0.184. From FDGs, equal treatment between boys and girls was emphasized (4:4) and (6:6) so that they both benefited from development opportunities; of education (both formal and informal) and employment. Friendliness between parents and children was highlighted (4:4) –with correcting behavior attached to light beating -with strongest emphasis put on friendly talking with children (6:6). However, to parents, family planning was still a big challenge –as hardly at all did men approve of it (regarding condom use), while women complained of hemorrhage and delayed resumption of pregnancy as most negative (2:6). Furthermore, condom use was out of every parent’s mind, given the fact that they were married (6:6). 1:6 of parents said that, because her husband did not care about family planning, she adopted inject-plan secretly. 2:6 of women nurtured a norm that alcohol eased delivery and was associated to healthy and pretty babies. In conclusion:

Failure of parents to ensure child health growth and development was by and large a result of poverty. This greatly hampered decision making as observed from r=0.317, where p=0.05 < 0.022. In rural and semi-urban areas it is only mainly men who went to work while women stayed home to cook and bare children. In the same category, the nature of jobs determined by their level of education did not at the same time help meet children development needs as women complained of men’s negligence. There is, thus, a need to start life skills education, poverty alleviation program and reproductive health (or health education) programs to help better family-life situation.

Human Rights Challenges Facing the Fight against HIV/AIDS in East and Central Regions of Uganda: Community, the Mirror of Children Health

By Jacob Waiswa


Project Lead Organization: Dishma Inc. P.O. Box 8885, Kampala-Uganda www.situationhealthanalysis.blogspot.com dishma.imhs@gmail.com


In Partnership With: Makerere University Institute of Psychology (MUIP), Student Partnership Worldwide (SPW) and Uganda Village Project (UVP)

Background:
Work was among young people in the context of identifying challenges affecting the fight against HIV/AIDS was carried out in the districts of Kampala under Makerere University Institute of psychology), Iganga under the Uganda Village Project and Mayuge District under student partnership worldwide between the years 2007 and 2009.

Programme Description:
In Kampala Dishma Inc. worked with three different health service providers who included Kawempe Health Center, Naguru Health Center, Meeting Point International (Naguru) with the aim of integrating positive living, resilience and spirituality in HIV/AIDS care and treatment and monitor benefits to sustaining life of young people living with HIVAIDS and possible challenges to that effect.

The Iganga work focused on identifying of key sexual reproductive challenges and developing effective interventions. Our team worked closely with Busembatia Health Center and opinion leaders to reaching accurate conclusions for right decision making.

In Mayuge District, Kityerera Sub-county work centered on carrying out baseline surveys on people’s health states and development stature and adoption of interventions to improve them. Such interventions included; trainer of trainers, livelihoods and development training for health groups, school and out of school outreaches, community meetings and sensitizations and collaborative discussions with health care organizations at grassroot levels. These included Mayuge Health Center IV, Post Test Clubs, Elizabeth Glazer affiliate groups and faith-based organizations.

Lessons Learnt:
Sensitivity to sex education as though act never existed was serious set-back to HIV/AIDS educations mainly in the faith-based institutions. They preferred child curiosity to empowerment.

Sex education was restricted to upper classes or schools. That is; from primary five to primary seven -with exception of secondary schools.

It was hardest to pass information to primary schools compared to secondary schools and adult meetings (community). Attention span was shortest with them. It was always argued the canning was the only means of communications which brought worry among implementers with development of child rights.

Despite community vigilance in the fight against HIV/AIDS, funding was always and remained a set-back.

Care and treatment was out of reach by communities living 5km and beyond. They resorted to herbs and witchcraft to treat AIDS rather than neutralize HIV with right medications as ARVs and Septrin.
Behavior change efforts were much desirable as some areas nursed a culture of absolute polygamy, child marriages –especially among tabliqs and child prostitution.

Condoms did not have significance to them. When trained in relevancy and use hardly could they identify source. Shops lacked them as one of the essentials while health center was too far.

Education which increased child commitment to career development rather than reckless behavior early in life was not a value as anyone who afforded a hoe automatically got himself a job.

Malaria and shortage of land as an economic resource was the biggest threat to survival. And care and treatment wound be most meaningful if poverty and unemployment were addressed.

Overcrowding during clinic days undermined positive living mentality already developing in patient’s lives.

HIV+ stature and treatment and care were kept secret by affected spouses as much as maternity and PMTCT concerns to women only, which undermined efforts to control and prevent spread HIV/AIDS.

Illegal foster parenting, orphanages and unsolicited custodianship of uncles and relatives was one of the worst agents of psychological trauma in children which escalated their health.

Conclusion:
State of the economy right from individual level to household was profoundly important –pivotally in every effort geared towards HIV/AIDS fight.

Recommendations:
Extend services of care, treatment and development to village or local council for even resource distribution and integrate meditation and emotional techniques in fostering or rediscovering right state of wellness.

Begin sex education right from 8 years and anytime the child begins to questions sex-related issues.

Intensify efforts towards behavioral change communication with priority given to deprived areas like Mayuge.

Encourage livelihood development initiatives for needy HIV/AIDS affected households as soft, easily accessible loans or grants and provision could be used as an incentive to encourage men involvement in PMTCT efforts.

Supervise and legalize custodianship of children under strict system of monitoring and evaluation

THE MULTI-PURPOSE WHEEL-CHAIR DESIGN...

THE









MULTI-PURPOSE WHEEL-CHAIR PROJECT









PROPOSED








BY







THE




DISHMA INC.
P.O. BOX 8885, KAMPALA-UGANDA
WWW.SITUATIONHEALTHANALYSIS.BLOGSPOT.COM
WAISWAJACOBO@YAHOO.CO.UK

©2009

CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION:
Background
The multi-purpose wheel-chair is a product designed by the Dishma Inc. on 11th September 2009 to further ease mobility and attainment of independence of disabled persons. It was felt by Dishma Executives and founders of the Regina Foundation that absence of a multi-purpose wheel-chair devastatingly stressed out the care-takers and families of the disabled child by having to lift the bulky disabled-persons on and off the original manual wheel-chair.

The wikipedia defines a wheel chair as a mobility device in which the user sits (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair, 12th/8/09). But, distributors of the original manual wheel chairs did not make prior inquiries about nature of physical disability, injury or infection-causing disability. They distribute wheel chairs -regardless of how incompatible they were. This contributes to more comorbid cases -more deformations or defects than it current medical case of disability. The spine-cords and the back bone can get abnormally postured due to incompatibility of wheel-chair with the shape, comfort needs and size of the disabled person.

And, because care involved having to lift the heavy disabled person on and off of the wheel chair at some point, care takers and most family members experienced burnt-out syndrome -sometimes leading to rejection and abandonment of the disabled children or persons, so that no one else helps them out to use toilet or bathroom. As a result, it increases the risk of infection related to poor hygiene and/or improper disposal of waste “products,” and above all, they were left to sit stationary, which -with time affects locomotion in the limbs as arms and limbs rigidity ensues.

We anticipate the the creation of the multi-purpose wheel chair will not only create a big sigh of relief for families and caretakers, but it would also increase and sustain hope of disabled-persons living a more fulfilling and productive life. They, for example, would be able to roll of the multi-purpose wheel-chair onto the normal sleeping bed, adjust the back-rest to a rest bed when fatigued and conformably sleep -as though on the normal bed.

With the three bottom support-seat layers, he or she would be in position to use the top layer for official purposes -as to go to school, make visits, and to socialize or play, while the last layer would have a potty or toilet provision and bathing safety and support seat structured in a way that drains out water as the disabled persons bathes.

Dishma Inc. will make the product as cheap to a common person as possible -as numerous charitable and promotional activities to enable them acquire wheel-chair and access rehabilitation programs free of charge at least twice a year. The multi-purpose wheel- chair, also, would help the disabled person pursue are physical developmental activities like washing, helping out in the job, brush his or her teeth, arts and crafts, support socialization, attend school with confidence and with far lessened burden to care-takers. Dishma Inc. shall conduct an on-going research to improve on the products working efficiency of the disabled-person's comfort and ease to use. Project's initial cost estimate has been put at $18,400.

Purpose of the Design:
To design and manufacture disabled persons wheel chairs that are characteristic to humans and supportive to human natural growth and development processes as well as rehabilitation efforts.

Specific Objectives:
To create hope and sustain it in the lives of the disabled persons so that they can think more positively about the future for self-advancement
To transform disabled persons into more productive and responsible members of the global community -socially, politically, economically and spiritually
To prevent accelerated deformities due to wrong wheel chair prescription, lack of qualified consultants and inappropriate wheel chair designs
To ease families and care-takers of stress having to face the burden of lifting disabled persons on and off their wheel-chairs

The scope:
The multi-purpose wheel chair would constitute; a back-rest -also adjustable to a resting bed, triple bottom seater -one cushioned for formal use as to visit, go to school; draining seater for bathing and potty shelf seater -for use above toilet or latrines; side-by-side balcony for rolling off the wheel-chair to the bed or to normal chairs; front dining and study table; adjustable legs and foot-rests; tubeless tires. Original technologies of motorized and electric types could be integrated as well as the varied weight and size compatibility wheel-chairs.

Significance of the Multi-purpose Wheel Chair Design:
The multi-purpose design would ease the development of the disabled person -mentally, physical, (able to do basic self-help ventures as going to bed, toilet, bathroom, being able to change clothes, economic (attend to economic endeavors as selling items, crafts making, for career development and the confidence to try and succeed in all ventures of life), and relief caretakers and families from the stress of physically lifting off and one the disabled person from the wheel-chair, and have the disabled person enjoy sustained hope and love from his or her family.

The Current Problem:
So many wheel chairs are distributed out to disabled persons -especially in Africa and Asia -without assessment of the psychological needs, physical defect, weight and to the comfort and ease of the disabled person in using wheel chair products.

Existing wheel-chairs have unique functions that mean extra spending by families towards fullest mobility of the disabled persons under their care. The multi-purpose wheel-chair would not only help reduce on the time expended on having to switch to different wheel chairs for specific activities, but cost effective, as well.



CHAPTER TWO:
THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVIEW

The current products are specially designed for different tasks like separate one for bathing, separate other for toilet and high mobility for the more incapacitated disabled-person. It would mean the care-giver buying a whole set at an average of $500, which not any one affords -especially our resource-limited friends of the southern hemisphere.

Depending on affordability, there exists the manual and the automated wheel-chairs ( http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair -as at 12th September 2009). They are used by people, for whom walking is difficult dues to sickness or injury. They where first introduced in China in the 6th century and later in Europe (http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair -as at 12th September 2009).

Some Existing Wheel-chair Designs Today



Fig. 1: Manual Wheel-chair $99 -most in use.

Fig. 2: Mobility scooters


Fig. 3: Power Wheel-chair







Source: www.wheelchairdepot.com
Wheel-chair are a variety and of varied prices depending on the quality. Also available on the market are accessories depending on functionality, for example; transport chairs, bathroom safety products, transfer chairs, shower wheel-chairs etc.

Fig. 1: Transport Wheel-chairs

Fig. 2: Walking Wheel-chairs



Source: http://bestwheelchairs.com/

Children are counseled before joining others to school wondering how colleagues would react. They find themselves different from the rest, by the fact that they cannot walk. Part of the orientation is to explain to fellow scholars about his or her disability. This has a strong psychological-burden relieving effect on the part of the disabled-person and care-takers or families concerned.

And, rehabilitation experts could use personalities life former US president Franklin Delano Roosevelt as inspirational figure, who in 1945 used a wheel chair, and at the same time remembered as one of the strongest presidents in U.S. history -who contracted polio at 39 years.

Luckily for children the wheel chairs are light, faster and easier to use meant to suit their weight and contr. A child would use his or her wheel chair smoothly, brake -especially for electronic wheel chairs (http://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/things/wheelchairs.html -as at 12th September 2009).

Power wheel-chair has wheel-chair designed for comfort, easy mobility and, even for disabled persons with active lifestyles -more so with a taste for sports. There, also, exists a specialized department for those who want specialized designs, and firms can work around one's requirement in order to bring out the best results (http://www.wheelchairspower.com/ -as at 12th September 2009).


The scooter store helps thousands of people regain their mobility and independence at no cost with their guaranteed freedom program (http://www.thescooterstore.com/ -as at 12th September). Some organizations are helping transform lives through the gift of mobility to the disabled poor in the developing countries.

Uganda is one of the beneficiaries. It partners with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations -sending wheel chairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people providing not only the gift of mobility; but of dignity, independence and hope (Freewheelchairmission.org -as at 12th September 2009).

The Wheel-chair Foundation is a non-profit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities: to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheel-chair to every child, teen and adult in the world -who needs one, but cannot afford one. Indeed, to the vulnerable community as disabled people, the Wheel-chair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Independence (wheelchairfoundation.org -as at 12th September 2009).

Selecting a wheel-chair depends on age, disability and abilities. Professionals like occupational therapists and physicians make some of the initial decisions of the selection process (http://www.abledata.com/- as at 12th September 2009).

Current Wheelchair Components:
Flames -are made out of a variety of materials including stainless steel, aircraft aluminum, titanium, chrome alloys and other light weight composite materials. Materials used determine wheel chair strength and capacity.

Seating systems -are removable and frequently separated from the wheel-chair. Include the sitting posture support systems . Sitting must allow the person to fit.

Upholstery -must be rugged enough to to withstand daily use and a variety of weather conditions. A number of materials are currently available, including nylon, velour, polyester, vinyl, and leather. They and flames come in variety of colors.

Brakes – are usually applied manually when braking. They can be mounted at different heights depending on the users needs. Powered chairs have eletro-mechanical or dynamic brakes.

Wheels and tires -They are of a variety of types and styles. Most wheel chair use a four wheel system -compromised of two larger wheels in the back and smaller casters in the front. They are generally aluminum and molded composites.

The most common rear wheel is 24 inches in diameter, but all other wheel sizes are available. There are also the over-sized wheel tires, offload tires, steel-reinforced, semi-pneumatic tires -a combination of solid rubber and air-filled tubing.

Foot-rests
Incorporated on the rigid flame chair. Offer a range of options -fixed, detached,swing-away, or elevating legrests, or legrests featuring a combination of these elements.

Arm-rests
Armrests are generally available in full- and desk-length styles, and may be detachable, height-adjustable, flip-up, have a combination of features, or be fixed. Some chairs, especially lightweight or sports models, are designed to be used without armrests.

Controls for powered chairs and scooters -regulate speed and direction. However, most manufacturers offer customized control options to accommodate the varied abilities of the user. Many chairs also have programmable control features which allow the user or a dealer to adjust or set the chair's speed and control limits as the user's abilities change.

There are also manufacturers, who do not make wheel-chairs, but, who offer specialized control systems for powered wheelchairs, including voice-activated controls. When purchasing controls and switches from a source, other than the chair's manufacturer, it is essential to determine that the selected control is compatible with the chair.

Drive system for powered chairs and scooters -the drive system refers to the means by which power is delivered to the chair's wheels. Standard drive systems include; gear drive, direct drive, and belt drive. The type of drive system affects the power available to propel the chair and the amount and type of maintenance the chair requires.

Batteries for powered chairs and scooters -Batteries are a determining factor in the range and power of a powered chair. Generally, the larger the chair's batteries, the greater the power and the longer the chair's range between charges. Many chairs require two re-chargeable 12-volt batteries.

Most wheel-chairs utilize U1, group 22 or 24 batteries, although other batteries are also used. More manufacturers are designing chairs around the group 24 battery because it affords a longer range. The type of battery required is also an important consideration in terms of safety, maintenance, and transport.

Powered chairs may utilize lead acid, gel cell, or sealed wet batteries. Gel cell batteries require the least maintenance and have less danger of leaking than do the other battery types. Gel cell batteries are also required by a number of airlines when transporting powered chairs.


CHAPTER THREE:
PROPOSED DESIGN
Multi-purpose Wheel-chair Constituents:
A single wheel-chair;
Either automated or manual -with several distinct functions put together for detailed or all-round well-functioning of the disabled person. This would help prevent extreme cormobid cases due to lesser mobility, psychological depression and discomfort.

Cushioned arms-rests/adjustable balcony;
They would be shaped out to steel and aluminum to act as safety accessories as well as small emergency doors. The arms-rests will be cushioned on either sides for sudden napping anytime the disabled-persons feels fit.

Adjustable back-rest;
This, as has been the case could act as back-support component of the wheel-chair. But on the most important note, would be its side-by-side purpose of easily having it adjusted to a resting bed when the disabled-person finds it easiest to provide for it, more than having to shift to a normal bed. They could as well be called temporary beds for disabled-persons. It shall have two stands to be pulled out for use when bed option is made.

The three bottom seat plates;
They would be set to allow swift pulling forward and pushing of particular seat plates in use and out of use, respectfully.

The first one, above the rest, would be a comfortable, well cushioned seat (of any color design). It would be an official seat for social occasions -including education.

The second one, only second to the first cushioned seat, would be one adjustable to work as a bathroom accessory plate, made on stainless steel and slightly inclined to allow water from the showers to drain out.

The last seat plate to mention, would be that below the first two. It would work as toilet accessory -allowing the disabled person to easily activate adjacent to the toilet seat or hole.

And all shall be adjustable to the ground and back to the recommended hieght. Adjusting it to the ground will be in an effort to let the disabled-person down to the floor, while adjusting it up-wards will be to let disabled-person climb up for ultimate use.

Front wheel-chair table;
This would works as a dining table for the disabled person, a school desk and a protective balcony against injury. The first 5 centimeters of it, too, shall be cushioned for napping purposes.

Foot-rests;
This, like other wheel-chairs, would be used to support feet when disabled person is seated. However, for the purposes of the multi-purpose wheel-chair, the foot-rests would be held in-between by a tough, thick letter material, along with which the foot-rests could be adjusted by 180 degrees to allow legs to stretch out straight, and for comfortable sleeping or resting using a bed provision on the multi-purpose wheel-chair. This, too, would have stands to support leather material and the bars -all purposed for holding legs during sleeping or resting time.

Tires;
Strong rubber tires could do, but for the multi-purpose wheel-chair, tubeless would be most appropriate.

Testing the wheel-chair:
At completion of assembling the wheel-chair would be put to road-test with disabled persons on trial, which would be preceded with numerous other tests by renown medical firms to test further the multi-purpose wheel-chair efficacy and effectiveness.

It would be at the end of that that results could be compiled and report readied for publication, and product -for marketing and use. To note, also, is that the multi-purpose wheel-chair could suit one -who is either opting for a motorized wheel-chair or manual.

Challenges to over-come:
It is not yet known where raw material, as steel, aluminum and leather could be obtained, lack of the right team to take on the project to its end, and above all; considerable amount of money will be needed to oversee the implementation of the project, yet no funding institution has been identified to cater for the emerging financial challenges.

In conclusion:
A lot of existing wheel-chair technologies would help fasten the development of the multi-purpose wheel-chair. Much of the old wheel-chair components not indicated here could be used as well, for example, the brakes and others -which obviously must constitute the new design.

The multi-purpose wheel-chair design would be presented hand-in-hand with an environment-fit design for the disabled-persons, supportive community linkages -as to and from policy makers, or have the design integrated into the usual environment systems of social interaction.

Way forward:
There are possibilities of striking partnership with existing research agencies that could be honest enough to protect the copyright reserved only for dishma inc., as well as making use of the local artisan community in Katwe, Uganda.

And, it is all hopes, through prayer that the financial challenges will be overcome. We could see friends and well-wishers rise up to that occasion, while also some research has to be made on potential sources of cheap raw materials stated above for swift project implementation.




References:
Best Wheel-chairs. http://bestwheelchairs.com/ -as at 12th September 2009

Defining a wheel chair. http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelchair -as at 12th September 2009

Factson Wheelchairs for children. http://www.abledata.com/- ast at 12th September 2009

Feaured category. Wheel-chair depot. www.wheelchairdepot.com -as at 12th September
2009

Inside FWM Free wheel chair mission. http://www.freewheelchairmission.org/site/c.fgLFIXOJKtF/b.4916767/k.2A77/Inside_FWM.htm -as at 12th September 2009

Kids Health. http://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/things/wheelchairs.html as at 12th September 2009
Wheelchair foundation, mission statement. http://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/about/mission -as at 12th September 2009

Wheelchairs, motorised wheelhcair and electric wheelchair. http://www.thescooterstore.com/ -as at 12th September 2009

Your reliable wheel-chair source, a trusted provider for your wheel chair and mobility needs. http://www.wheelchairspower.com/ -as at 12th September 2009


Appendix: 1.
Expected Monthly Budget (Fixed [F -incurred once] and Operational[O -continious])
Administration..........................................................................$800 [O]
Support Individual firms................................................................$500 [O]
Stationery and Internet facility.......................................................$1000 [F]
Transport/Vehicle hire.................................................................$1000 [F]
Food...................................................................................$1500 [F]
Field Station Rent......................................................................$300 [O]
Office Rent.............................................................................$300 [O]
Apparatus...............................................................................$2000 [O]
Training................................................................................$1000 [O]
Research Activities.....................................................................$2000 [O]
Publication............................................................................ $2000 [O]
Workshops/Conferences...................................................................$1000 [O]
Internship and Volunteer Support........................................................$1000 [O]
Advertisements..........................................................................$100 [O]
Partnership Development...........................................................$500 [O]
Database Development..............................................................$1000 [F]
Simultaneous.............................................................................$1000 [O]
Total Costs...................................................................................$18400