Written by Talia Spooner-Stewart, PDA Director
On this International Wheelchair Day, it provides us all an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact wheelchairs have on our lives. A day not only for wheelchair users but also a day to recognise the millions who either provide accessibility to wheelchairs and for those who support and or care for wheelchair users themselves.
Did you know that only between 5-15% of people whose mobility depends on the use of wheelchairs has access to a suitable wheelchair? Not every wheelchair is the same and those with mobility limitations all have different reasons for their requirements. I never really gathered the impact of what that means until my new custom fit wheelchair was delivered.
I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years now, the progression of this disease has become more apparent over the last 10 years with my mobility the biggest affected. Once, I could mobilise with a walking stick and crutches and now, whenever I venture out of the house I use my wheelchair. As my mobility worsened my required specifications for my wheelchair increased. From using an old stationary transfer wheel chair, to independently moving around in a manual wheelchair to now having a custom wheelchair to fit me with a smart drive attached for ease has been an incredible improvement to my life. It has provided so many opportunities I previously would not have had.
Previously I would have been limited or even excluded all together from activities either due to restricted or no accessibility at all. Being able to use my wheelchair and the opportunity to use other specialised wheelchairs has provided me many opportunities that previously were not available. It has influenced my independence, choice, a sense of community and an increase in my self-confidence. These opportunities and choices have allowed me to undertake and enjoy tasks that previously I would have NEVER have done or seen. Provided an opportunity to do some amazing and life changing things.
These are photos of some amazing things that I have been able to do due to the access to suitable and specialised wheelchairs. From swimming in the ocean on a beach wheelchair, to getting up close and personal in Uluru with an off road wheelchair to volunteering at the Invictus games. None of these things unique experiences would be possible without a wheelchair, the people who support me in a wheelchair or the accessibility implemented for wheelchairs.
Happy International Wheelchair Day.
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