Transitions Guatemala

Transitions Celebrates 20 Years Serving Guatemalans with Disabilities.

Transitions team

Wheelchair Workshop

Transition team at work

Transitions operates a well-equipped workshop to manufacture new wheelchairs and repair or modify existing ones. This operation employs six to 10 technicians, mostly disabled, and builds rugged chairs well suited for the tough terrain of Guatemala. It employs modern TIG welding and other fabrication equipment and maintains computerized records on each client so to respond quickly to needed changes or repairs. Funding for much of our equipment, tool and materials has come from a Rotary International Foundation Grant, coordinated by the Portland, Oregon Rotary Club, and from other donors.

Prosthetic & Orthotic clinic

Prosthetic workshop © photo by Christy Creed Merritt

Transitions operate a clinic to provide services to children and adults who are in need of a prosthetic limb or an orthotic leg brace. Due to the high number of birth defects and accidents in Guatemala, there is a large demand and need for these services. We work with local Guatemalan certified technicians to evaluate and manufacture the limbs and leg braces our patient’s need. Patients fitted with their limb or brace can Achíeve increased mobility and opportunities in their lives.

Print Shop

Printer at work © photo by Christy Creed Merritt

The print shop functions both as a disabilities job-training program and an income-generating project. Monies accrued through printing contracts are used to cover training costs, printed material costs, and to provide small salaries for the employees.

Special Education Program

A major goal is to rehabilitate and educate students.

This program sets a high priority on building awareness regarding disability and educating the community to this end. A major goal is to rehabilitate and educate students to the extent that they can enter traditional schooling, supporting Transitions’ belief in inclusive education.

General Education & Vocational training

Vocational training workshop

Since its inception, the general education and vocational training program (GEVTP) has supported over 100 young people with disabilities through educational scholarships and opportunities for job training. Scholarships (for secondary through university-level schooling and for English language study) cover tuition, classroom materials, a living stipend and transportation for students who would otherwise not have the means, whether financially or physically, to continue their education. In addition, Transitions offers vocational training in its Wheelchair Workshop and Print Shop.

Sports & Recreation

Promoting active and healthy lifestyles

The sports and recreation initiative promotes active and healthy lifestyles by providing an athletic outlet for Guatemalans with disabilities. The program offers adaptive sports equipment, clinics by North American Paralympians, weekly basketball scrimmages, custom-made sports chairs for the women’s national basketball team, and country-wide tournament organization in collaboration with the Guatemalan government.

For more info. & contacts transitionsfoundation.org
Transitions Foundation –
Callejón de los Horcones #48, San Felipe de Jesús, La Antigua Guatemala Tel: + (502) 7832-4261