Getting About

I do what I can to get out and about so that I’m not always looking at the same four walls. This may only be popping around the corner or it could be staying overnight away from home, as referred to in the ‘Wheelchair’ section. It’s been medically proven that fresh air is beneficial to everyone. The car has been fitted with an electric lift so that I can get in without leaving my wheelchair and be strapped down safely. There are many places that are wheelchair friendly and I take my dog with his orange ‘assistance’ coat. He’s not an official disability dog but he does act the part once his coat is on – he’s even been on the London Eye with me!  There are quite a few places that are not accessible but if in doubt phone ahead and they can advise you. I have found that most people do what they can to help if you ask.

I have also found that it’s good to be prepared (an old Guides saying) i.e. I take my colostomy spares with me, always carry a drink incase I cough and a bottle to empty my catheter if necessary – there are not always facilities available for these kinds of emergencies. It is also possible to get a radar key from your local council as you may find the toilets for the disabled are locked. 

Sometimes there are gates/barriers put across footpaths to prevent motorbike access and as you will well know wheelchairs can’t fly! This also goes for buggies, bicycles, mobility scooters etc. So our solution to this is to take pictures to highlight the problem and send them to the council and demand that equal access should be gained. 

Blue badges are readily available I get mine from the council and they send a renewal every 3-5 years. The blue means I am entitled to park close to wherever id like to go even on double yellows (this needs to be checked as the rules may vary depending on local districts) In some car parks you can park for free with your blue badge but not all. It’s the badge that’s important and not the type of vehicle as long as you’re in it with your badge. The disabled bays are clearly labeled and should only be used by badge holders but sadly these facilities get abused. If you come across someone parking illegally its best not to approach but instead notify the authorities or the owners of the car park (it is well known by the police that people who break the law one way are well known for breaking the law in other ways.) We came up with a brilliant idea which always makes us laugh which is when we come across an illegally parked car we put one of our posters on the windscreen that says “stupidity is not a disability!”.

Scooter
I got to a stage where I could walk in the house but not outside,so I invested in a three wheels scooter.

It was a vast improvement as it enabled me to get to the shops,church and any where else I wished to go and even one of our local shops widened there doorway so that the scooter could drive in with ease, and even at the local supermarket I knew which till I could use as it was wide enough for my scooter to go through. I also went to my local Methodist church and was able to sit inside on my scooter.

I had a trailer on the car so that we could take the scooter on holiday so that I could fully join in with my family. Another benefit was that I was not getting so tired from the physical exertion of trying to walk outside.

I had to learn to turn the chair off when my young son sat on my lap as he loved driving it (dangerous!) 

One of the improvements was that I could go out on my own and have the confidence not to depend on someone.  I learnt where the drop curbs were in the village and if there were problems getting along the pavements eg telegraph poles in the way the council would move them! Good old Highways Department!