Appropriate Paper Technology (APTERS), a Lusaka-based organisation set up in 1990 by three young enterprising and physically challenged youths with the assistance of Mrs Hinchcliffe, the then British High Commissioner's wife.
The aims of the project are:
To produce mobility aids using paper technology for physically challenged children (e.g those with cerebral palsy or birth injuries). The mobility aids include: standing frames, chairs, wedges and walkers
To offer economic and personal empowerment to people who are physically challenged through regular paid employment
APTERS and mobility aids
On average APTERS produces over 380 mobility aids a year, using APT techniques, for children with polio and/or any other form of physical challenge. The equipment made by APTERS provides children who are physically challenged with low-cost intervention tools that are instrumental in their treatment and rehabilitation.
Local support
A number of schools, businesses and organisations collect and recycle paper on behalf of APTERS, and APTERS staff have been invited into art classes to show pupils how to make papier mâché products. This serves to promote the work of APTERS and raise awareness of disability issues amongst the local community.
Commercial products
The workshop also makes various papier mâché products such as dustbins, file boxes, toys and trays which are available for sale to the public as a means to raise extra funds for the organisation.
APTERS Support Group
The APTERS Support Group acts as a policy-making body and offers advice and assistance as required. It underwrites 90 percent of all mobility aids made by the APTERS team as nearly all parents are unable to meet the cost themselves. The Zambia Society Trust is a major donor, currently providing a third of the Support Group's contribution.