Manos de Heroes is a women-led, dignity-centered, identity-based prosthetics organisation in Uruguay dedicated to restoring confidence, inclusion, autonomy, and pride for children and adults with limb differences. We exist because a prosthetic hand is never just a device. It is: identity self-expression emotional safety belonging courage dignity At Manos, every prosthetic is personalised, story-driven, and designed with the beneficiary - not simply for them. Our model is built around one truth: "A child is never a 'case.' A child is a universe." Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that inclusion is a human right. When a child receives a personalised prosthetic that reflects who they are - their favourite colours, superheroes, animals, sports, patterns - something transformative happens: shame becomes confidence hiding becomes pride fear becomes expression isolation becomes belonging This is why our work matters. Children and adults with limb differences in Uruguay face a combination of structural, social, economic, and psychological barriers that severely limit their full participation in society. The problem is not the limb difference. The problem is: lack of access, lack of inclusion, lack of affordable prosthetics, lack of visibility, lack of dignity-centered solutions We address a multi-layered, systemic, and deeply personal problem. A. Social Stigma & Identity Erosion Children frequently report hiding their hands in school sleeves, pockets, or behind their backs. Some describe being teased, stared at, or excluded. One mother shared that her daughter spent years refusing to raise her hand in class - not because she didn't know the answer, but because she didn't want other children to look at her arm. A child once said softly: "I don't want to be different. I just want to be me." The psychological weight of this stigma shapes identity, confidence, academic participation, and emotional wellbeing. B. Lack of Access to Personalised Prosthetics Traditional prosthetics are: medically oriented, extremely expensive, rarely tailored to children, heavy or uncomfortable inaccessible for low-income families, designed for functionality, not identity. No existing system offers identity-based, child-led, custom-designed, and free prosthetics. C. Economic & Structural Barriers Families face: high costs (often thousands of dollars) repeated replacements as children grow limited awareness of prosthetic options emotional overload and financial pressure In many cases, parents must choose between medical needs and basic living costs. D. Loneliness, Isolation & Lack of Inclusion in Schools Without supportive structures: children avoid sports peer integration becomes difficult teachers lack guidance participation drops children become "the different one" This creates long-term consequences for identity-building and emotional health. E. Lack of Lifelong Accompaniment Children grow - their prosthetics must grow too. Most systems stop at "delivery." Families are left alone. Manos is the only organisation in Uruguay offering prosthetics that grow with the child, with ongoing adjustments, physiotherapy, and emotional support.

Fundacion Manos de Heroes

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