INCLUSION

This month we're bringing you stories of two women who's resilience, determination and desire to care for their families has led to huge personal achievements. We're also excited to welcome David Murphy as UCP Wheels new Executive Director. Check out all the stories below. And finally, please help us raise awareness of the importance of an appropriate wheelchair by sharing the video with your family and friends. Your ongoing support means a world of difference for so many. Thank you!

Dayu's Triumph!

"I hope to work permanently so it's easier to support my parents."

Natalia's Story

Natalia in her salon

UCP Wheels’ empowerment programs link people with disabilities, and those that care for them, to local resources that can help them realize their personal abilities and capabilities. Our program team in Ukraine, together with Ukraine’s National Assembly of PWD (NAPD), conducts professional and vocational trainings, employer sensitization trainings, and small business trainings. Participants of the latter are eligible to enter a mini-grant competition, which provides winners with funding to start their own businesses.

Natalia Fedosova, an award-winning hairstylist and a certified teacher of hairdressing in Ukraine is the winner of one of those mini grants. This is her story.

Natalia certainly has her hands full. In addition to her busy professional life, she is also mom to two young boys, 13 year old Anton and 8 year old Alexander, who has cerebral palsy. Worried about being able to provide the right environment and care for Alexander on a small income, she attended vocational and small business training to help get her closer to her dream opening her own salon and school of hairdressing.

Not only did Natalia learn new skills and receive practical information about how to set up and run a business, she also won a mini-grant contest, which funded a new dryer and other hairdressing equipment. As a result, she has been able to open her own salon and has enrolled her first two students in a hairdressing masterclass!
"I am very grateful to the TEAM project for the training and the chance to reach a new level of professional activity. It will help me and my family to have a better standard of living and give me the ability to treat my child," says Natalia.

Introducing our new Executive Director

(Left) David Murphy, Executive Director is welcomed by Dr. Ronald S. Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of UCP Wheels for Humanity.

We are delighted to welcome David Murphy as our new Executive Director. David comes to UCP Wheels with 20 years of experience as a Director of international NGOs. He has served as a Country Director in Ethiopia, Somalia, Afghanistan and Kenya for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and was also Executive Director of IRC’s San Diego Chapter.

Under David’s leadership, we look forward to reaching new heights in our mission to promote greater inclusion for people with disabilities globally, through mobility, therapy, advocacy and empowerment.

For more from David, check out our next issue!

SAVE THE DATE!

Don't miss one of the most buzzed about events in LA, our annual Wheels in Motion Gala!

Skirball Cultural Center,
Saturday, September 29

Become a sustaining donor.

By making a recurring monthly donation, you make a lasting commitment to the delivery of appropriately fitted wheelchairs to individuals in need. Join today!