A life-changing trip to Africa drove Dr. Don Schoendorfer to launch Free Wheelchair Mission, bringing mobility and transformation to the world’s underserved.
From the dust-filled roads of Morocco to the design labs of an MIT-trained engineer, Don’s story is one of compassion, innovation, and divine purpose. In this interview, we uncover the unique threads of his life that bring mobility, dignity, and hope to those often overlooked – and led to awarding him an AARP Purpose Prize.
What specific experiences or observations during your vacation in Morocco inspired you to address the issue of mobility for people with disabilities?
When I was in Morocco in 1979, I saw a quite shocking scene of a woman crawling on the ground, trying to cross a dirt road. I had never seen anyone crawl like that before. She looked like she was in pain as she would pull herself slowly across the ground, inch by inch. People were stepping over her and no one stopped to help. This image stuck with me until around 20 years later, when I decided to do something to help.
Could you share a specific example that highlights the transformation in the lives of the individuals who receive wheelchairs and also their families?
In Chile, we went to a small home where a man in his 50s lived with his mother. He was her full-time caregiver. We gave her a brand-new wheelchair, and after talking to them more, we realized that her mother also lived with them and needed a wheelchair. We were able to give her one as well.
“They would talk to each other through the walls of their rooms for years because they were not able to get out of bed and converse face to face.”
Everyone in the room was brought to tears. They would talk to each other through the walls of their rooms for years because they were not able to get out of bed and converse face to face. But now, with the two wheelchairs, they could be safe and spend time together.
How does your faith activate your mission and your volunteers?
I have chosen to surrender this whole mission to God because I know that it is ultimately God’s work that we can be a part of. From the beginning, I have gone to God in prayer when it came to making decisions and as the organization grew. I am working for God, and I do my best to reflect that to staff, volunteers, and donors. We are delivering God’s work each time we give the life-transforming gift of mobility.
“So far, we have given out 1.4 million wheelchairs to children, adults, and seniors in developing countries around the world.”
How did your background as an MIT-trained engineer influence the design and development of low-cost, mass-produced wheelchairs?
Being trained at MIT gave me credibility in the field. I knew the value of a prototype and knew how to create something that would appeal to the user. Not only was I looking to create something that looked good, but I wanted something practical that would be most helpful. Also, after having years of experience in the medical industry, I knew that I needed to make something inexpensive. These factors all came together when I was creating the wheelchair models. And today, a durable wheelchair can be built, shipped, and delivered for just $96.
What does your “dream” wheelchair look like? Is it your goal to make this idea a reality for others?
So far, we have given out 1.4 million wheelchairs to children, adults, and seniors in developing countries around the world. Our wheelchairs currently come in four sizes. Our distribution partners are trained to adjust the wheelchairs to best fit each individual upon receiving the wheelchair. I hope to one day create one that can be easily adjusted by the person who receives the wheelchair, with no tools needed.
In past interviews, you’ve mentioned a “connect the dots” technique. Could you provide more insight into how you applied this technique in your own life and addressing mobility for people in developing countries?
I began to think about the things that inspired me, my talents, and the experiences that seemed like coincidences at the time. I couldn’t get the image of the crawling woman in Morocco out of my mind. I had an engineering background. And, I had brought a prototype of my first wheelchair design to India on a missions trip. From there, people were encouraging me to continue that work. As I connected these things, I began to realize that this was the path that God was leading me on.
What does “Aging with Attitude” mean to you?
I try to stay physically fit and healthy as I age. Also, I know that with age comes wisdom, but I try to combine this wisdom with the mindset that I am still growing and learning new things. That way, I can keep on providing wheelchairs for as long as possible and help the most people that I can.
Want more info?
His book “Miracle Wheels: The Story of the Mission to Bring Mobility to the World” can be found on Amazon.
Get involved or donate at FreeWheelchairMission.org.
Learn more and watch the dramatic video of his story here.
Click the link to learn about AARP’s Purpose Prize Program.
NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.
Photos by Free Wheelchair Mission
