Signpost assistance for vulnerable wheelchair users

People with spinal cord injuries, especially in the upper thoracic and cervical spine, have reduced respiratory muscle function, which is why any respiratory tract and lung infection poses a threat to their health and, consequently, their lives. Those most severely affected are at an even greater risk of dependency on long-term mechanical ventilation due to the current coronavirus infection. People with spinal cord injuries also have weakened immunity, making it more difficult for them to fight off infections. Furthermore, they are currently facing significant problems with unavailable assistance due to quarantines and government measures. For some of them, assistance is absolutely essential.

It was founded in February 1990 as the Union of Paraplegics, defending the rights of people with spinal cord injuries. In 1994, the Union of Paraplegics founded the Paraple Centre. From the very beginning, the Union of Paraplegics has strived for quality healthcare – a spinal programme and the opening of spinal units. In 2010, the Paraple Centre became independent, and in 2011, the organisation was renamed the Czech Paraplegic Association – CZEPA. Its long-term services include expert health and social counselling; newer services include starter flats, training housing for tetraplegics, VozejkMap – an application mapping accessible places in the Czech Republic, the Vozejkov.cz community and information portal, Hvězdný bazar – a training workplace, and the BanalFatal! prevention programme for young people. In 2018, the Peer Mentoring service was created -
experienced wheelchair users guide people with spinal cord injuries through their new, difficult life situation. More about the projects can be found at www.czepa.cz.