Mojave Community Afghan Veteran Reclaims Independence with Mobility Chair Donation

By Debra Holm

Abdul Salam, a former Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in Afghanistan, dedicated years to clearing deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for US and Afghan soldiers. Navigating treacherous landscapes, Abdul and his team braved constant threats to ensure the safety of both US and Afghan soldiers. One fateful day, a Taliban booby trap forever altered his life, leaving him with both legs amputated above the knee.

As the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the US Army evacuated Abdul and his family to the United States for a fresh start. Since March 2023, they’ve been adjusting to life in Mojave, California, grappling with the challenges of a new culture and environment, especially for Abdul, who navigates in a wheelchair, hampered by rough terrain and a steep ramp to their mobile home.

A spark of hope arrived in the form of a generous local woman who donated a 2003 electric scooter to Abdul. This newfound mobility was a lifeline, granting him independence as he navigated his new community. However, a persistent obstacle emerged—the scooter struggled to climb the ramp to their mobile home. This limitation became painfully clear during a heart-stopping incident when attempting the ascent with his two-year-old son; they toppled over, highlighting the need for a more suitable solution.

It became obvious that Abdul needed a mobility aid more suitable for the local environment—one that would have the power to handle the steep climb into his home and would be stable in offroad conditions, especially common outside of the park.

Nimo, Project Manager of Refugee Housing at the park in Mojave, researched mobility devices. He specifically sought out vehicles designed for off-road use, providing Abdul with the utmost flexibility in his environment. His research led him to the “Not-a-Wheelchair.”

“Not-a-Wheelchair,” aka “The Rig,” was designed by Zack Nelson from the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything and his wife, Cambry Kaylor, who became paralyzed at age 18 in an equestrian vaulting accident. Frustrated by the high cost and performance limitations of the off-road wheelchairs they found on the market, they worked to design an affordable off-road wheelchair that is quick, light, and has a long traveling range. The stock model comes with a 1000-watt hub motor, which enables the chair to go 12 mph. It features a reverse function, which makes maneuvering so much easier. It also includes all-around suspension shocks to make for a smooth, safe ride over bumps and even jumps. To learn more about the Not-a-Wheelchair, visit https://notawheelchair.com/products/the-rig.

Unpacking and loading up the “Not-a-Wheelchair.

The chair was acquired through the generous donations of Affordable Community Living (ACL), a member of SFA Chapter 78, and an anonymous benefactor. Nimo and Abdul drove out from Mojave to pick it up on March 8. Abdul expressed his gratitude, saying he was “very thankful for what you are doing.”

The chair has made a real difference in Abdul’s life. He is now able to travel the quarter mile to the bus stop to meet his children after school. His increased ability to navigate the community has led to his taking on the commitment to care for the community’s children on the days when parents are off-property for language training.

Abdul demonstrates his new “Not-A-Wheelchair” AKA The Rig.

Afghan Community Update—April 2024

Afghan refugees in Mojave, California, are not only rebuilding their lives, they’re also becoming skilled tradespeople, with 99% of the mobile home rehabilitations at the local park completed by them. Since ACL began working on housing for these refugees in September 2021, over 20 families (more than 100 people) have been settled into the community. ACL’s support goes beyond housing, offering job training, cultural awareness training, and language training for the Afghan veterans who served alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan and their families.

Building on their success in mobile home rehabilitation, ACL has recently launched a new program to train these skilled individuals in installing solar power systems. This initiative not only expands their employment opportunities but also benefits the environment. Abdul Salam, featured in the previous story, was the proud recipient of the first solar-powered mobile home thanks to this innovative program.

The community’s attempt at an urban farm last year highlights their entrepreneurial spirit. While zoning regulations prevented them from raising livestock on the designated land, their enthusiasm hasn’t waned. They’re currently exploring alternative locations to bring their farm dream to life.