HHIM always provides a level of instruction to the recipients, caregivers, and therapists. It is important that the wheelchair recipients and their families know how to care for their wheelchair, as well as how to care for typical health issues, such as bed sores and urinary tract infections. The level of training varies on the country and the type of therapists that are involved in the distribution.

In Guatemala, the employees, who are all wheelchair users themselves, are being trained to help fit recipients into their wheelchairs and provide education to the recipients’ families. International rehabilitation therapists, medical professionals, and medical engineers travel to Guatemala to provide educational training for these employees and help with seating clinics. Because of the life experience the employees have had, they are able to emotionally and physically assist the families of the recipients.

The University of South Dakota’s physical therapy department, faculty and students, travel to various countries with HHIM for in-field training.

In November each year, HHIM hosts a 3 week camp in partnership with Bethel Ministries in Guatemala. This camp is a retreat for previous wheelchair recipients and their families. It’s an opportunity for them to be removed from their daily activities to enjoy new, fun experiences, go on day excursions, play games, and hear about Jesus. They also have the opportunity to have their wheelchair repaired, if needed. Volunteers from the United States and Canada staff these retreats.