The role of community-based non-specialists in providing holistic wheelchair services

The 4 Steps+ builds on World Vision’s 2017 8 Steps+ report and the updated 2023 WHO wheelchair provision guidelines to define the role of community-based non-specialists (CBNS) in delivering holistic wheelchair services. Drawing from the USAID-funded ACCESS Wheelchair program and World Vision’s global experience, the report outlines how actors at the community level — including health workers, faith groups, and local organizations — can collaborate with specialist providers to ensure safe, appropriate, and rights-based wheelchair provision. It offers practical guidance and advocates for integrating wheelchair services into universal health coverage to improve mobility, inclusion, and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities.