Mexican Engineer Helps Thousands With Disabilities Through Custom Wheelchairs and Prosthetics

For nearly two decades, Mexican industrial engineer Francisco “Kiko” Trujillo has made it his mission to help people with disabilities along the US-Mexico border.

Trujillo, who was born and raised in Nogales, Sonora, became involved in disability services in 2008 after pediatrician Dr. Burris “Duke” Duncan contacted him about helping provide all-terrain wheelchairs to people with disabilities.

Although Trujillo initially knew little about medical equipment, the partnership quickly became personal. His brother was born without a left hand, and Trujillo believes earlier access to prosthetics and other support could have helped him.

Trujillo and Duncan eventually co-founded Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion, known as ARSOBO. The nonprofit now provides wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing devices and rehabilitation programs to low-income families in Mexico and the United States.

The organization initially focused on “Rough Rider” wheelchairs designed to handle uneven terrain. It later expanded into customized wheelchairs for children with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disabilities.

ARSOBO also employs people with disabilities to build and fit the devices. Trujillo says patients can benefit from seeing someone who has experienced similar challenges and is now helping others.

The organization has expanded its services over the years, including monthly hearing clinics through the University of Arizona and free physical therapy for amputees adjusting to prosthetic devices.

To date, ARSOBO has served nearly 3,500 people with disabilities. The organization has built more than 820 all-terrain wheelchairs, produced about 900 orthotics and prosthetics, and distributed more than 740 hearing aids.

More than 20 people with disabilities have also been trained and hired by the organization.

Duncan, now 93, remembers that Trujillo initially told him he would only stay with the project for seven years. Nearly two decades later, Trujillo remains committed to the work.

For Trujillo, the goal extends beyond providing medical equipment.

“We are changing the lives of not just the patient, but the entire family,” he said.

CNN Newsource contributed to this report.

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