Humanitarian aid
Custom assistive devices give Gaza siblings newfound independence despite ongoing conflict
In Gaza, three siblings born without legs received specially designed wheelchairs, tables and hand‑grips funded by the UN OCHA and delivered by EducAid, enabling them to write, eat and move with greater independence amid the region’s violence.
American Impact Alliance News Desk2 minute read
Tailored assistive solutions
EducAid’s response began with an assessment of each child’s home and school environments. For 10‑year‑old Anas, the organization upgraded his wheelchair with a detachable table, a waterproof lower‑body shield, a pen grip and a slant table to support writing and eating. His 17‑year‑old sister Sujood received a size‑40 wheelchair equipped with a detachable dining surface, the same protective shield and a hand‑support walking aid. Their 15‑year‑old brother Mohammad was fitted with an adapted wheelchair that incorporates a small skateboard for mobility, hand grips to protect his fingers and a commode chair. Each device was produced in EducAid’s workshops to match the siblings’ limited hand function.
Everyday independence and schooling
The new equipment transformed routine activities for the three children. With the wheelchair tables, Anas can keep his meals steady and write without needing to lie down, while the protective shield prevents his lower body from becoming soiled during movement. Sujood, who previously had to sleep on a shared chair, now has a personal seat that allows her to study media subjects without damaging her clothing, and the hand‑support aid reduces fatigue when she walks. Mohammad’s skateboard‑style chair gives him a sense of speed and freedom, and the commode chair simplifies personal hygiene. Their teacher reports that all three have begun writing more effectively and show greater enthusiasm for learning.
Coordinated funding and local implementation
The provision of these devices was made possible through funding from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which allocated resources to support assistive‑technology projects in Gaza. EducAid, an international non‑governmental organization, managed the design, fabrication and distribution of the customized equipment, leveraging its in‑house workshops to meet the specific needs of children with limited hand function. The collaboration illustrates how targeted humanitarian assistance can address niche disability needs even amid ongoing violence, and highlights the role of UN‑backed funding streams in enabling local partners to deliver life‑changing tools to vulnerable families.