KATHMANDU, MAY 25 Wheelchair Foundation, USA, Tiny Share of Field Activities (TSOFA), USA, and Um Hong Gil Human Foundation (UHGHF) handed over 260 wheelchairs to Nepal Disabled Fund (NDF) in a ceremony held today at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, in the presence of 250 people, including beneficiaries and distinguished guests from Korea and Nepal. The programme was organised to distribute 260 brand-new wheelchairs to persons with disabilities from different districts of Nepal. The support included 245 basic wheelchairs with cushions and 15 adaptive (Kanga) wheelchairs designed for users requiring special mobility support. The project aims to improve independent mobility, encourage social participation, and enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities. The program was chaired by Chakra Bahadur Budha, Member Secretary of the National Disabled Fund, and His Excellency Park Tae Young, Ambassador, Korean Embassy of Nepal, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. For the special occasion, Captain Um Hong Gil, Executive Director of UHGHF, and David Yongsik Hwang, Chairman of Tiny Share of Field Activities (TSOFA), USA, along with his spouse, visited Nepal to participate in the ceremony and related field activities. Their participation reflected continued international support and partnership in improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Nepal. This year's program marks 'Wheelchair for Living Independently in the Community – Phase III.' During the first phase in 2021, 240 wheelchairs along with 17 sets of spare parts were distributed. In 2024, the project expanded its support by distributing 270 wheelchairs with 17 sets of spare parts. Continuing this long-term commitment, the 2026 project has provided another 260 wheelchairs along with 20 sets of spare parts to support maintenance and long-term use, Said UHGHF. In addition to the distribution ceremony, the supporting organizations also conducted monitoring and evaluation visits to beneficiaries' homes and disability shelters on May 21 and 22, respectively. The visits were organized to assess the impact of wheelchair support on the daily lives of beneficiaries and to better understand their living conditions, mobility improvements, and remaining challenges. Representatives visited several homes and shelters and interacted directly with beneficiaries and their families. The programme included welcome remarks, speeches from distinguished guests, appreciation to donors and supporting organizations, wheelchair handover activities, beneficiary interaction sessions, and group photographs. Around 50 to 60 beneficiaries received wheelchairs directly during the ceremony, while the remaining wheelchairs will be distributed based on need assessments conducted by Nepal Disabled Fund. Nepal Disabled Fund and the supporting organisations expressed their sincere commitment to continuing collaborative efforts for the empowerment, inclusion, and independent living of persons with disabilities across Nepal. The organisations also emphasised the importance of long-term cooperation and community-based support programs to ensure accessibility and dignity for all.