Lebanese launches taxis for wheelchair-bound

At the age of 20, Charbel Daghfal had his life planned ahead of him — until a motorbike accident left him paralysed. The Lebanese electrical engineer had to give up his career, spending a year undergoing surgeries and physiotherapy sessions. “The accident left my father in so much pain that his diabetes skyrocketed. It is difficult to see your loved ones hurt, while you remain helpless,” said 39-year-old Daghfal as he teared up. “Looking at my pictures prior to the accident, I realised how much body capabilities I had.”

Determined to defy his disability and adapt to his new life, Daghfal embarked on a new career in computer studies. He was frustrated at the lack of opportunities given to people of determination, who make up 25 per cent of the Lebanese society. “I had problems using my hands, then I picked up a pencil and placed it between my fingers to be able to use the keyboard.”

Daghfal’s journey of hope started when he decided to launch his ‘Wheelchair Taxi’, a cab service tailored to accommodate wheelchairs and help people of determination move around the city.

“People with disabilities face challenges in daily life. Our rights to a job, decent living and accessibility are not granted. If we are just angry, we will never change reality. We have to step up and do something,” said Daghfal.

Starting his project from home in Kesrouan’s Ashquot with just $1,000 (about Dh3,670), Daghfal applied for bank installments to buy a mini-van. He added further modifications, including a short ramp, to accommodate wheelchairs.

Through his Wheelchair Taxi, Daghfal receives orders before deploying drivers, while tracking vehicle movement through a map on his computer.

His modified taxi helped over 3,000 wheelchair users and senior citizens move independently around the city.

“Without seeking help or relying on anyone, riders with disabilities can move freely and securely,” said Daghfal.

“I receive calls from people who have not left their houses for years in fear of embarrassment and inability to move around the city that has limited accessible places for wheelchair users.”

The Wheelchair Taxi has empowered citizens to see emerging areas they have not seen due to their long stay in their homes, he said. “I had a customer who was able to give her 80-year-old mother a ride around the city.”

Daghfal, who manages the self-funded project besides his full-time job in Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture, aims to expand his initiative across the country. Like anyone else, he aims to start a family. “I would advise the youth to live life to the fullest.”

People with disabilities face challenges in their daily life. If we are just angry, we will never change reality. We have to do something.”

Charbel Daghfal, founder, Wheelchair Taxi