Transforming Lives Through Mobility: An Interview with Chris Morales of Cielo de Amor, Ecuador

In the heart of Ecuador, where vibrant communities thrive against stunning landscapes, a quiet revolution is underway,  one that begins with wheels, hope, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to move freely. At the center of this movement is Chris Morales, a physical therapist and lead trainer at Cielo de Amor, an organization dedicated to improving mobility and independence for children with disabilities.

Participant Assistive Products had a chat with Chris to learn about her  journey, the challenges faced by families in Ecuador, and the transformative role of innovative assistive products like the Cub pediatric wheelchair. What follows is not just an interview, but a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of inclusion.

A Journey Driven by Compassion

When Chris Morales speaks about her work, it’s with a warmth that makes her words feel like an invitation.

 “I have always had a passion for helping people improve their quality of life,” 

She begins. For her, physical therapy was never just a career choice. It was a calling born from the desire to support people with disabilities and their families,  a desire ignited by the simple yet profound realization that mobility transforms lives.

“Seeing how mobility can change not only a child’s daily life, but also the dynamics of the whole family, inspired me to pursue this field,” Chris explains. Her journey to Cielo de Amor was a natural extension of that passion, a place where her professional skills and personal values converged.

Cielo de Amor: More than a Mission

At first glance, Cielo de Amor might look like any other nonprofit serving children with disabilities. But for Chris, it is much more than that. “Cielo de Amor has a mission that truly resonates with me,” she says. “I wanted to be part of an organization that not only provides mobility devices, but also cares deeply about inclusion, dignity, and building long-term independence for people with disabilities and their families.”

This philosophy of inclusion, of seeing the child, not just the disability, permeates everything Chris and her colleagues do. In a country where access to appropriate assistive technology is limited, this approach is both radical and necessary.

A Day in the Life: Care, Creativity, and Connection

Chris’s daily routine reflects the complexity and humanity of her role. “A typical day includes screening users, understanding their unique needs, adapting their wheelchairs or appropriate support, and working closely with families so they feel empowered and included in the process,” she says.

There’s no script. Some days are spent problem-solving on the spot to ensure a wheelchair fits perfectly or a child sits safely. Other days involve leading training for healthcare providers, NGOs, or community workers on wheelchair service provision. Still others find her in meetings advocating for the rights of people with disabilities at a national level.

What stands out is not just the technical skill but the listening. Chris speaks of “a lot of listening to families,” a quiet acknowledgment that parents and caregivers know their children best. In this way, Cielo de Amor is not simply a provider of services but a partner to families navigating challenging terrain.

The Challenges: Beyond the Wheelchair

Ecuador’s beauty hides a harsh reality for many families of children with disabilities. Chris outlines some of the biggest challenges: limited access to suitable and affordable wheelchairs, low awareness of assistive technology, and a shortage of technical support.

“Many families, especially in rural areas, have no resources or options available,” she says. Even when a child receives a mobility device, it’s often the wrong size or the wrong design for their needs. Without proper training or follow-up, families are left to improvise, sometimes at the expense of the child’s health and development.

This lack of infrastructure doesn’t just limit movement, it limits opportunity. A child without a functional wheelchair may not be able to attend school, play with friends, or take part in community life. A caregiver may be forced to stop working to provide full-time support. The ripple effects are profound.

Why the Right Assistive Product Matters

Chris explains the stakes clearly. “The right product not only facilitates the child’s mobility, but also reduces the physical and emotional burden on caregivers, improving family dynamics.” A well-fitted wheelchair, for example, can mean the difference between a child attending school or staying at home. It can prevent pressure sores, deformities, and long-term health issues. It can build confidence, independence, and hope for the future.

In this sense, mobility devices are not mere objects; they are gateways to dignity. They free not only the child but the family, making life’s ordinary moments, walking to school, sharing a meal, visiting friends, possible.

The Cub Pediatric Wheelchair: A Simple but Powerful Tool

When Chris first saw the Cub pediatric wheelchair, her reaction was immediate. “I was impressed by its simplicity, adjustability, and the care with which it was designed in such a versatile way that it is easy for providers to adapt, and very easy for families to use, and practical for children’s daily lives.”

Cub is durable and adjustable, with features like reclining and tilting that make it easier to care for children who need constant assistance. For many families served by Cielo de Amor, Cub fills a critical gap,  a reliable, affordable chair that works in everyday life.

“It allows families to move their children more comfortably and safely, making daily activities more accessible,” Chris says. “Cub helps fill the gap for families who would otherwise not have access to an appropriate chair.”

Listening to Families, Improving the Design

Chris dreams bigger. “We would love to see Cub designed for adolescents and adults who need a stronger chair that can hold more weight and stand up to a strong extensor pattern. We’d also love to see a Cub for the smallest children to support good positioning and mobility as early as possible.”

This feedback loop, between families, providers, and manufacturers, is part of what makes assistive technology a living field. It’s not about one-size-fits-all solutions but continuous adaptation to real lives.

Families have observed durability problems with the armrests. It looks like the metal brackets could be stronger and the pads, like on other chairs, have the characteristic problem of being a little soft and also not very strong. This is very helpful feedback because these families received Cubs just after production started. “This feedback is welcomed and we are grateful for the families willingness to put forward their observations. We are making the metal bracket on the armrest stronger and improving the tray attachment. This has been a challenging problem to solve but we will have a new prototype to share for feedback soon!” said Keoke who is CEO and co-founder at  Participant.

Transformative Impact on Daily Life

Cub is more than a chair; it’s a change-maker. “Cub can bring significant change to day-to-day life, making commuting, school, and play easier, safer, and more enjoyable,” Chris explains. For caregivers, it offers relief from the physical strain of carrying or supporting a child without the right equipment. For children, it’s a ticket to participation,  in classrooms, playgrounds, and family life.

For many families, Cub represents a first real step toward independence. That’s why when asked to sum it up in one word, Chris doesn’t hesitate: “Transformative, because it changes the daily lives of children and their families.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Assistive Technology in Ecuador

Chris is hopeful but realistic about the road ahead. “I see a future where assistive technology is more accessible, affordable, and integrated into everyday healthcare,” she says. Achieving this will require greater awareness, stronger policies, and more collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector. But the potential is immense.

With sustained effort, Ecuador can become a model for inclusive mobility, where no child is left behind simply because they were born in the wrong place or to a family with limited means.

A Message to the World

When asked what message she wants the world to know about the children she works with, Chris doesn’t speak of limitations. Instead, she speaks of possibility. “These children are resilient, full of potential, and capable of much more than society sometimes expects. With the right support, they can accomplish amazing things and inspire us all with their strength and determination.”

It’s a statement that reflects not only the children but also the ethos of Cielo de Amor: a belief in dignity, inclusion, and the extraordinary power of mobility.

Why Stories Like This Matter

This conversation with Chris Morales is more than an interview about a wheelchair. It’s a window into the lives of families navigating disability in Ecuador, their struggles, their hopes, and the tangible difference that well-designed assistive products can make. It’s also a testament to the professionals like Chris who blend skill, empathy, and advocacy to create lasting change.

Products like Cub are important. But equally important are the relationships built with families, the training of local providers, and the push for systems that sustain access to mobility over the long term. Together, these elements form the scaffolding of a more inclusive society.

Closing Thoughts

As we left our conversation with Chris Morales, one theme lingered: transformation. Transformation of a child’s day, a caregiver’s burden, a family’s outlook, and, ultimately, a society’s expectations. It begins with something as practical as a wheelchair but extends far beyond it.

In Chris’s words and Cielo de Amor’s work, we are reminded that mobility is not a luxury,  it is a human right. And when that right is honored, children flourish, families thrive, and communities grow stronger.

Click here to find out more about Cub.