As SeyMobility marks its first anniversary, its presence on Mahé has already transformed the way people with disabilities move, connect, and participate in Seychelles. For founder Christine Winslow, the story began at home—with her son, Jason, who uses a wheelchair and inspired a mission far greater than she ever imagined.

A Mother’s Inspiration

Raising a son who relies on an electric wheelchair opened her eyes to a reality many never see. “Without accessible transport, it’s impossible to load an electric wheelchair,” she explains. “These chairs don’t fold like manual ones, and for many people with disabilities, electric chairs are their independence.”

Jason had his own accessible van, but she couldn’t shake the thought of others who were not as fortunate—those stuck at home for lack of safe, reliable transportation. That was the seed from which SeyMobility was born.

Seeing the Gaps No One Talks About

The challenges were everywhere. Wheelchair users couldn’t simply “make their way” to a bus stop, and even with the introduction of a few accessible SPTC buses, the routes were limited. Many of SeyMobility’s clients—including bedridden individuals, amputees, and stroke survivors—were left with no viable transport option.

“Some were forced to use ambulances for non-emergencies,” she recalls. “They could wait hours. And those visiting private clinics are often denied transport since ambulance services don’t cover them. People were stuck—literally.”

Doorstep pickups became a signature part of SeyMobility’s service model, grounded in respect, comfort, and dignity.

Building a More Inclusive Seychelles

The vision from the start was simple yet powerful: Inclusion.“The right to go out into society like everyone else,” she emphasises. “To shop, go to the bank, attend medical appointments, family functions, weddings, funerals—all the everyday things abled people take for granted.”

And that vision has already changed lives. One young woman, previously unable to continue her studies due to mobility barriers, now attends classes with her peers thanks to SeyMobility. She recently sat for her exams—an experience her family describes as life-changing.

A Community’s Warm Embrace

The public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are surprised, intrigued—wherever we go, crowds come to look at this ‘spaceship’ that just landed on Mahé,” she says. “We haven’t had a single bad comment.”

Government bodies, NGOs, the disability community, and the public alike have praised the service.

Strengthening Families, Rebuilding Connections

The impact has stretched far beyond transportation. SeyMobility has helped reunite families who once struggled to include disabled relatives in gatherings or celebrations.

“It has been life-changing,” she says. “Families tell us how happy they are that their loved ones are no longer left behind. They’re being seen, included, accepted.”

This first year has been full of learning. She discovered not only how many disabled families and tourists need accessible transport, but also how many lack basic mobility equipment that could improve daily life.

“There’s a huge need for education about home mobility equipment and in hotels. Patients need hoists, shower commodes, and pool lifts. It’s a long overdue conversation.”

Breaking Misconceptions About Disability

One of the biggest cultural challenges is awareness. “Until disability touches your family, you don’t think twice about a missing ramp. For years, people found it acceptable to carry wheelchair users up stairs. That’s a no—safety and dignity come first.”

Many disabled individuals were left at home simply because accessibility wasn’t prioritised.

Seychelles’ Accessibility Landscape

There has been progress, much of it driven by the Ramp Up, Rise Up Association, with advocacy resulting in new ramps at places like ABSA and better-designed district halls and clinics.

“But we still have a long way to go,” she says. “Seychelles needs a National Accessibility Action Plan. Accessibility must be mandatory across all sectors.”

Beach access remains one of the biggest challenges—also on SeyMobility’s to-do list.

She is quick to highlight her driver, Yannick Rose, an experienced tour guide whose empathy and dedication have become invaluable.

“Yannick is a blessing. He’s patient, kind, and always willing to assist—even late at night.”

The service has helped countless clients reach medical appointments, treatments, and therapies—care that was previously delayed or entirely inaccessible.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Expansion

SeyMobility’s second year is already shaping up with new innovations. The company has introduced a beach wheelchair that allows users to move directly onto the sand and into the ocean—an unprecedented step for beach accessibility in Seychelles.

There are also plans to expand mobility-equipment rentals, including wheelchairs, patient hoists, and shower commodes, particularly for the tourism sector.

“We want hotels and guesthouses to be able to welcome everyone,” she says. “Accessibility shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be a right.”

A Mission That Moves People—Literally and Emotionally

SeyMobility began with a mother’s love for her son but has grown into a service that uplifts an entire community. As the company celebrates one year, its message resonates far beyond transportation: everyone deserves to move freely, participate fully, and live with dignity.

And thanks to SeyMobility, Seychelles is moving closer to that future—one accessible journey at a time.