ARSOBO: Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion
There is an organization in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico named ARSOBO (Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion) which is equal parts binational and inspirational. Its origins date back to founder Duke Duncan’s (University of Arizona’s Public Health & Pediatrics) realization that frequent medical conferences while having great outcomes of ideas, that those ideas were rarely put in place, and with action, he sought to change that. Putting the idea in motion that he had dedicated himself to alongside his partner ARSOBO’s executive director Francisco Trujillo, it has blossomed into a binational organization truly changing the lives of the public on a daily basis. Their work together is revolutionary because of a characteristic found in its production model for providing all-terrain wheelchairs, hearing devices, and prostheses to the people of Mexico and afar. What set’s it apart from the rest is that ARSOBO’s technicians in wheelchair production, prostheses, and hearing health all have the same handicap as the public they serve. People have travelled the length of the country of Mexico by bus to arrive in Nogales to receive the services imparted by ARSOBO because it is one-of-a-kind across the national and international landscapes. Clients pay only what they can afford. Over the years, this work has earned the recognition of the U.S. State Department and international media for building a world with an opportunity for dignity for all. The chance to be a part of a weekend clinic at ARSOBO is a slice of heaven on earth where you can see the fruits of this hard work, the smiles and joy of people and their families who have suffered without the devices to give them dignity in life they deserve. Whether it a custom-built wheelchair for someone with cerebral palsy to being fitted for a state of the art prosthetic or a young child hearing clearly for the first time in life, ARSOBO’s model is truly something special and something civil society should extend its support to. For it is in giving that we really receive, as Saint Francis of Assisi proclaimed.
What is their mission?
It is to provide medical devices, made by people using the same device, to ease barriers and enhance the potential of people with a disability.
What are their principles?
ARSOBO operates under three principles:
Train and then employ those who use the medical devices they build for others
Charge for these devices but, only what the families can afford
Work toward a sustainable ‘social business’
We encourage you to donate to and learn more about ARSOBO, please visit: www.arsobo.org
Images: ARSOBO, FESAC