Dordt Engineering Students Update KidChair Design

Hope Haven Ambassadors: Changing the Narrative

By 7017444915 • June 26, 2026
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” 1 Peter 4:10 At Hope Haven, we believe every person has God-given gifts to share. That belief is at the heart of the Hope Haven Ambassadors, a group of individuals served through Hope Haven’s My Day program who are learning to use their voices, share their stories, and advocate for themselves and others. The Ambassadors were formed in January 2025 after a community experience sparked a bigger conversation about inclusion, dignity, and the way individuals with disabilities are perceived. Since then, the group has been working to help change that narrative. The Ambassadors have presented to community groups, attended advocacy trainings, traveled to the Capitol, and spoken about issues that matter. Along the way, they are building confidence, developing leadership skills, and helping others understand that every person deserves to be included and respected. For Maggie, being an Ambassador is about helping her community see people with disabilities as equals. “I want individuals with disabilities to be treated as equal to everybody else,” she shared. “I want my community to know it’s okay to be different.” For Lori, the message is simple but powerful. “We are regular people who have different challenges,” she said. “I want to help my community understand that people with disabilities are not less of a person because of their disabilities.” For Octavio, advocacy means using his voice not only for himself, but also for others who may struggle to speak up for what they need. Through his experience with the Ambassadors, he has learned something important: “Our voice matters.” Programs like My Day are about so much more than daily activities. They are about friendship, confidence, purpose, community, and belonging. They create opportunities for people to discover their strengths, build relationships, serve others, and take part in the world around them. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities like the Hope Haven Ambassadors, where individuals can build confidence, share their stories, and discover the power of their voice. Your gift allows us to keep growing alongside those we serve, making an impact that lasts. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission .
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Over 20 years ago Hope Haven International Ministries tasked senior Dordt Engineering students with designing a pediatric wheelchair. Out of that research and hard work came the KidChair a wheelchair model utilized in HHIM wheelchair distributions for more than two decades and still today. At the time of the original design the model could be assembled and shipped for around $100. Throughout the years the KidChair has proved a sturdy and versatile wheelchair for recipients in developing countries. However helpful critiques were compiled over the years on how to take the design to the next level. That meant incorporating a tilt mechanism better footrest and a full computer aided design (CAD) model of the wheelchair.

Two years ago Hope Haven reengaged with a new generation of Dordt Engineering students to see if they were up for the challenge of implementing these design changes. Ben Saarloos Engineering Instructor / Lab Systems Engineer presented the project as one of the 63 senior engineering project options for students. Ultimately the KidChair project was selected and today eight students are working on the project. Some of the students involved in the project even traveled to Guatemala last year to see firsthand what a wheelchair distribution is like and witness the process of custom fitting a recipient based on their individual needs. All of the participating students visited the South Dakota State Penitentiary to meet with inmates and observe the HHIM wheelchair manufacturing process. Both experiences have assisted the students in honing their design. We are thankful to the Dordt students who have worked on this project – their diligent design will impact the lives of people in need for years to come!