How often do you leave your home each day?
For many of us, this question feels trivial. But for many people with physical disabilities in Colombia, it is central – and often painful.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, the INGLOSUS Foundation is calling this year to actively promote the tenth UN Sustainable Development Goal: Inclusion. That is why we are partnering this year with a very special initiative.
The Colombian social-impact start-up and foundation MATT stands for Mobility, Accessibility, Time and Trabajo (work) – the four areas the team around Martín Londoño aims to strengthen by converting traditional wheelchairs into electric tricycles (MATT devices).
The main cause of limited mobility and wheelchair use in Colombia is violence. Thousands of people must navigate their lives and the steep terrain of the Andean metropolis of Medellín in a regular wheelchair – excluding them from social life and taking away their freedom.
MATT’s goal is to restore access to the world of work, education, and a safe, self-determined life. Yet so far, the initiative reaches only a small portion of those who need such a device. Most affected individuals cannot afford the roughly 2,000-euro device or do not know about MATT.
21-year-old Jader sells umbrellas and cigarettes on the street to save up for a MATT device next year
Become a Mattrino – and change a life as a MATT sponsor
MATT uses the concept of “Mattrinos”: sponsors who help a wheelchair user obtain their own MATT device – and regain their freedom. Get involved and become a Mattrino today!
It’s not only about restoring mobility, but also about healing a history of violence, one life at a time. Every donation goes directly toward providing a MATT device to people in the community who cannot afford one themselves. Your support doesn’t just provide a device – it provides inclusion, economic participation, freedom, independence, and a brighter future.
How much would this freedom be worth to you if you had lost it?
Donate here.
More information about MATT-Foundation here.
More information about INGLOSUS-Foundation here.