Rep. Blunt Joins Mission to Provide Free Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are seen as luxury vehicles for millions of impoverished and disabled people around the world.  Now Congressman Roy Blunt is trying to spread the word about a new way to help.

The Free Wheelchair Mission was established to distribute inexpensive, yet durable wheelchairs for those with disabilities.  Co-founder Dr. Michael Bayer says the low cost devices will address the needs of 100 million people in developing countries that are too poor to afford a standard wheelchair.

The mission has more than 100 distribution partners in over 65 countries trying to help those in need.

"Seventy percent of the population we serve are bed ridden; they're lying in bed 24/7. They're basically just languishing and trying to survive, preventing pressure sores from developing because they're in bed all the time because of the lack of mobility." says Dr. Bayer.