Access Exchange International

Access Exchange International works to improve the mobility options of physically disabled people in developing countries. They provide program development and management advice, techical support, equipment design, and coordinate donations. They have designs for a bicycle trailer that carries wheelchairs, and low-tech wheelchair access for transit buses. They have shipped hundreds of donated wheelchairs and other mobility aids to developing countries. AEI has published a guide, Mobility for All: Accessible Transportation Around the World, with funding from the United Methodist Church. Cost is $3.00.

An important element of AEI's long-term strategy is to bring leaders of Russian disability organizations and transit agencies into the international network of professionals who deal with transportation access issues. AEI has held workshops with individuals from the Moscow transportation agency (Mosgortrans) and is consulting informally with it on how to make the bus service more accessible. It has sought to increase contact with Western European agencies because it believes they will be an important source of donated paratransit vehicles to the NIS. AEI has also developed a roster of transportation officials who are available to donate their services to less developed countries.

They can always use help, particularly from professionals with related skills. The exchange maintains a listing of volunteer consultants who can share knowledge on mobility program development, transit design, equipment design, etc.

Last updated:    June 1999

A print version of much of the information contained in this NIS Third Sector Organizations section can be found in the The Post-Soviet Handbook (Seattle and London: University of Washington Press, 1999).

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