Thanks mostly to the work of non-profit organizations, disabled residents of large cities first got access to modern wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other devices. Leading Western producers of prosthetic and other assistive devices opened offices in Russia. Their products, however, are too costly for the average citizen and are primarily purchased by disabled members of rich families and, most often, by large firms which provide them to employees disabled on the job. These compact and lightweight wheelchairs are made of titanium and aluminum and designed to allow users to lead active lives. These three factories could easily supply the needs of Russia's estimated 40 thousand wheelchair users if sufficient financial resources were available.
Disabled persons can wait for many years to be finally be granted a wheelchair.
Another problem is the limited assortment of wheelchairs available. There are approximately 30 different types of wheelchairs produced in Russia. There are very few wheelchairs made for children and almost no electric wheelchairs, although there are a few small businesses which produce motors that can be attached to regular wheelchairs. There are also individuals and groups that have invented or adapted their own wheelchairs for use in Russia. Assistance for Disabled Drivers With regards to adapted cars, the same situation exists.