Health MEC in Limpopo Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has embarked on handing over specialized seating devices known as Madiba Buggies at Tshilidzini Hospital on Friday.
Ramathuba’s spokesperson Tshilivhali Muavha said this will be in commemoration of Human Rights month and as part of clearing the assistive devices backlog in the Vhembe District.
Muavha event is expected to be attended by the most vulnerable recipients (children with disabilities), occupational therapists and caregivers.
Meanwhile, reportedly a Madiba Buggy is a rugged rural posture support designed for children in need of more postural support than what a traditional wheelchair can offer. It is ideal for babies from 6 months to young adults who cannot self-propel or sit up independently. It provides full body support to help control spasms, muscle weakness and imbalances. This seating system offers full body and head support cushions which are configured with the assistance of trained occupational therapists after assessment of the client to fit young and growing bodies. Madiba Buggies are offered in baby, small, medium and adult sizes. These devices use an adjustable tilt-in space feature in conjunction with full body support which enables optimal positioning, alignment of the body and limits the risk of developing postural deformities.
Limpopo Health Department confirmed this event is the highlight of a week-long buggy revamping and seating workshop in collaboration between Ramathuba’s administration and partner, the Boikanyo- The Dion Herson Foundation and The Rotary Club of Rosebank, where 112 children with severe physical disabilities will be reassessed and seated in their Madiba Buggies.
“Seventy-six previously owned Buggies will be revamped, meaning that it will be refitted with new sponges, covers, the frames repainted, and new wheels and trays attached. These buggies will be used to ensure that each child is seated in a chair which is fit for their body size and shape. Eighteen specialists from Boikanyo NPC will be training 42 Occupational Therapy staff members from all hospitals in the Vhembe District in revamping and specialised seating of children with disabilities to ensure the prevention of future deformities due to incorrect seating,” Muavha confirmed.
Madiba Buggies.
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