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GEN 4 JOY: Innovative Wheelchair for those in Need

Free Wheelchair Mission PROJECT
GEN 4 JOY: Innovative Wheelchair for those in Need by Free Wheelchair Mission

credits

Title
  • GEN 4 JOY: Innovative Wheelchair for those in Need
Entrant
  • Free Wheelchair Mission

About This Project

Summary

Free Wheelchair Mission developed GEN 4 JOY, a breakthrough wheelchair for people in developing countries, with vital support from Invacare, a global for-profit manufacturer. Combining humanitarian purpose with world-class engineering, the collaboration delivered dramatic gains in durability, comfort, and efficiency, so more individuals can experience freedom and renewed dignity worldwide.

Goals & Objectives

The goal was to create a next-generation wheelchair improving comfort, durability, and efficiency for people in developing countries. Free Wheelchair Mission, with Invacare’s support, sought to expand mobility access worldwide, providing wheelchairs free of cost to recipients.

Results & Impact

GEN 4 JOY delivers an estimated 2x lifespan of previous models, improved comfort, and expanded sizing. Building on 1.5 million wheelchairs already distributed, this innovation helps Free Wheelchair Mission reach more people in developing countries with free, life-changing mobility.

the team

Nuka Hart
  • CEO
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Don Schoendorfer
  • President an Founder
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Bonnie Gonzalez
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Lorena Hernandez
  • Logistics Manager
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Pia Hindersson
  • Volunteer Project Manager
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Eric Lai
  • Procurement Manager
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Jean-Michel Roncin
  • Product Engineer
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Grégoire Leblanc
  • Project Leader
  • Free Wheelchair Mission
Leisa Evans
  • Global Head of Communications
  • Invacare
Geoffrey Purtill
  • CEO and President
  • Invacare
Ilhan Ballet
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Invacare