Bajaj Finserv has committed support to differently-abled persons by providing hi-tech mobility solutions that enable them to integrate into mainstream society. The initiative ‘Accessibility & Freedom’ is part of it’s social responsibility program, aimed at driving equitable and inclusive opportunities for children and youth. It is being funded and driven through its subsidiary, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, in partnership with Round Table India, a non-profit.
The initiative was launched at an event in Pune where 40 differently-abled persons identified by Round Table India were provided hi-tech mobility devices that convert a wheelchair into a roadworthy vehicle. The device is an indigenous innovation by NeoMotion, a start-up from R2D2 of IIT Madras. It comprises NeoFly, a compact, personalized wheelchair designed to best fit a user’s health and lifestyle, and NeoBolt, a hi-tech motorised add-on that transitions it seamlessly into an outdoor mobility device.
The first recipients of the solution were largely individuals with quadriplegia, including ex-servicemen, para-athletes, and homemakers. Under the initiative, 200 hi-tech mobility solutions will be provided by Bajaj Finserv to recipients across India.
Shefali Bajaj, Chairperson of the CSR Steering Committee, Bajaj Finserv, said that the life-transformative initiative for the differently-abled ties in with their efforts to advance inclusion among children and youth by giving them equal access to resources, health, education, and opportunities.
India has approximately 3 crore differently-abled persons facing mobility challenges and heavily dependent on a support ecosystem for their fundamental necessities. Restricted mobility impacts their ability to move outdoors, earn livelihoods and grow economically.
The hi-tech mobility solutions provided by Bajaj Finserv are compact wheelchairs customized to an individual’s posture and energy and are fitted with a motor-powered clip-on device that converts the wheelchair into a safe, roadworthy vehicle. It eliminates the need to transfer the person into other vehicles and can be independently attached by the user within seconds.
The powered wheelchair has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and can travel up to 25 km per charge. The solution has been compatible with rugged conditions to enhance its utility. Recipients can access the outdoors with the solution, pursue an active liberated lifestyle, be independent and explore a world of opportunities, including education and employment.
