Public HealthExploring Mobility For Disabled Children
If your child needs to use a wheelchair, whether temporarily following illness or surgery or for longer-term disability, it is important they feel confident to move about safely. At this year"s national Mobility Roadshow that takes place at Kemble Airfield near Cirencester on 4, 5 and 6 June the Association of Wheelchair Children will be holding wheelchair skills workshops for children. In half hour sessions they will teach practical skills - ascending and descending kerbs, slopes, negotiating roads, moving backwards and forwards - empowering them with the ability to assess risk and to move safely and confidently about their homes and neighbourhoods. These sessions are equally useful for parents and carers.
Having an adapted vehicle specially tailored to accommodate children with disabilities can mean the difference between a relaxed day out for all the family and a challenging and uncomfortable journey.
The Mobility Roadshow, organised by charity Mobility Choice, is a free event where parents and carers can test drive vehicles for the safety and comfort of young disabled passengers on the move and check out ease of access, adapted car seat and wheelchair constraints and a host of other accessories. Attend one of the short and to-the-point seminars for hints and tips on keeping wheelchair passengers comfortable and safe while travelling, then visit the various exhibitor stands to explore all the options.
On Saturday 6 June we celebrate National Young Disabled Persons" Day, when celebrity swimmer Sharron Davies will present prizes to the young winners of our national Ready Willing & Mobile competition that calls for bright ideas from children to help disabled people.
Mobility innovation comes from several exhibitors showcasing new products. These include Delichon Ltd"s new adjustable seating systems that can be altered in height, width and depth to provide continued postural support for young children throughout their rapid growth period. The Gro Plus is suitable from 6 months to 7 years with moderate to severe disabilities, the Shuttle designed for children 1 to 5 years.
Children love the Kiddy Viper powered cycle from Team Hybrid because they can operate it themselves, making them feel important and in control as well as being fun. They feel independent, but are never far away - important for child and parent. Trekinetic has added a raised footplate to its Trekinetic K-2 all terrain wheelchair, offering three new leg lengths, accommodating children from 6 years upwards, adding to its popularity with parents.
For all young visitors - disabled and non disabled - the Mouth and Foot Painters Association (MFPA) is running interactive art workshops throughout the event. "We hope to share the enthusiasm of our artists and their work with visitors to inspire and encourage young people who may not have had the opportunity to create art before, making it accessible and fun," said Tom Yendell of the MFPA.
Among the charities and helpful information organisations attending is the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus with new s of information and advice that includes guidance for young people and parents on the transition from school to college or employment.
There are many sporting activities that disabled children can enjoy but it is often not easy to assess their interest and capability. In the Sports Arena at the Mobility Roadshow they can try out different games, watch demonstrations of a range of sports, including wheelchair table tennis with Jack Pegram, currently the No 1 GB junior para table tennis player and a member of the World Class Performance Squad for GB Para Table Tennis. Paralympians Danny Crates, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Peter Norfolk and TV presenter and basketball ace, Ade Adepitan are attending on various days throughout the Roadshow.
And to keep everyone in the family entertained there will be an accessible climbing wall, adapted go-karts, skid car and 4x4 experiences, flying, entertainers, face painting, donkeys for all to fall in love with - and more.
Register now at http://www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or tel 0845 241 0390 for your free tickets and be automatically entered into the draw for a P&O mini cruise for two people. You can also register for test drives and pre-book wheelchair and scooter loans as above. There is a free accessible shuttle bus service from Swindon station. Visit the website for a full list and description of exhibitors, accessible accommodation in the area, regular news and programme updates.
Mobility Roadshow