WHILE new wheelchairs received by the Spinal Injuries Association Fiji last week were freely available to those living with disabilities, the association said it would only be given to those who really needed assistance.
The association’s executive officer, Joshko Wakaniyasi, said in the past it was common practice for the recipients of their assistance to request for equipment just because they needed an upgrade.
Since the services were free, Mr Wakaniyasi said, they had a duty in ensuring that their equipment were also accessible to people in the maritime areas as far as Rotuma.
“We look at demand and consider those with real needs as we give out our high end equipment but we do not discourage people from applying,” he said.
“We are encouraging those who really need these walking aids to come forward and see us.”
