Tag: access

Do your knees beep?

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Have you ever noticed the sounds your wheelchair makes? It’s almost as if your knees are beeping! As a wheelchair user, you quickly become aware that every button you press or movement you make emits some sort of noise. Whether you’re tilting your seat or adjusting it to a more comfortable position, the whole room is sure to know about it.

You cannot change your position quietly, nor can you drive your chair about silently either. If you use a powerchair, you can’t go anywhere privately unless entirely alone. No sneaking to the kitchen for a late night snack, nor surprising someone you haven’t seen for ages by suddenly appearing in the doorway, nor ‘walking’ through a restaurant without anyone noticing you heading for the loo. All these simple things can be taken for granted by most people.

While these sounds are great for safety purposes, they can be a bit of a nuisance in certain situations. Imagine being in an important meeting or attending a funeral and feeling like you can’t adjust your position without causing a distraction. It’s not ideal, and it’s something that should be addressed at the point of sale.

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

As a consumer in this industry, I believe that wheelchair manufacturers should make it an automatic option to have a noiseless wheelchair. This would allow users to move around freely without worrying about interrupting important events or causing a disturbance. It’s a small change that could make a big difference in the lives of wheelchair users.

It’s important to note that this issue isn’t just about convenience. It’s about accessibility and inclusion. Wheelchair users should be able to participate in all aspects of life without feeling like they’re a burden or causing a disturbance. A noiseless wheelchair would be a step towards creating a more inclusive society.

In conclusion, the sounds that wheelchairs make can be a hindrance in certain situations. It’s time for wheelchair manufacturers to make a change and offer noiseless options for their customers. This small change could have a big impact on the lives of wheelchair users and help create a more inclusive society.

So, do your knees beep each time you move?

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Why oh why is packaging so awkward..

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Why oh why is packaging so awkward to undo,
It’s like a puzzle that we must construe,
The plastic wrap is stubborn and tight,
And opening it fills us with fright.

The cardboard seems to be glued in place,
Making us struggle and strain with our face,
We grab scissors and knives to cut through,
But end up with wounds and bruises anew.

Why can’t they make it simple and easy,
Opening it without feeling queasy,
It’s as if the packaging is playing a game,
To see how long it can cause us such a shame.

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So next time we buy a package with care,
We’ll hope and pray it’s easy to tear,
If not, we’ll take a deep breath and sigh,
And remember that packaging will always make us wonder why.

Poem: Broken Wheelchair.

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My wheelchair is broken, it’s out of commission
I can’t get around, and it’s causing frustration
I need it to move, to get from point A to B
But now I’m stuck, and it’s just not easy

I can’t roll down the hall, or explore the outdoors
My mobility’s limited, and it’s really a bore
I’m missing out on so much, it’s really not fair
My broken wheelchair is causing me despair

I called up the repairman, but he’s booked for days
So in the meantime, I’m stuck in a daze
But I won’t give up, I’ll stay strong and persist
I’ll find a solution, I won’t be dismissed

Poem: Wheeling along

So here’s to my broken wheelchair, to this little setback
I’ll rise above it, I won’t be held back
I’ll keep pushing forward, through thick and thin
My mobility won’t be stopped, I’ll always win.

wheelchair all alone in big room.
Photo by Patrick De Boeck on Pexels.com

Unwell, or need someone to talk to.

Feeling unwell?

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, 999 immediately. Text relay users can also call 18000 to get through to 999.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

No need to worry, as there are several ways to get the medical help you need. One option is to use the NHS 111 service, which can be accessed through their website at https://111.nhs.uk/. This service can provide you with valuable medical information and guide you in the right direction for the help you require.

For those who require assistance in other ways, there are additional options available. Text relay users can call 18001 111 using text relay, 24 hours a day. British Sign Language (BSL) users can access the service through signvideo.co.uk/nhs111.

If you require an interpreter, call 111 and ask for assistance in your preferred language. Don’t let feeling unwell ruin your bank holiday – take advantage of these resources to get the help you need.

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Need someone to talk to?

If so then have a look on this website https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/ it lists various helplines you can phone. Also if you feel more secure doing so by text, or struggle to use a phone, there are some text/messenger/email options on some of the helplines you can access too. Please seek help if you are struggling!!

The App-based Society: Are We Losing Our Ability to Function Without Technology?

In today’s world, it seems that there is an application for every desire or necessity.

There’s an app for everything, whether it’s for entertainment, health, banking, education, staying connected with loved ones, or keeping up with the latest news and social media trends, there’s an app for that.

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Take a moment to reflect on the last time you went without using an app for an entire day. Can you remember such a day? I, for one, cannot. The convenience and accessibility of apps have become an indispensable part of our daily lives.

It’s fascinating to see how technology has evolved to meet our needs and make our lives easier. With just a few taps on our smartphones, we can accomplish tasks that would have taken hours or even days in the past. From ordering groceries to booking a flight, everything is just a few clicks away.

However, as much as we rely on apps, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for human interaction. While they can help us stay connected with loved ones, nothing beats spending quality time with them in person. It’s also crucial to maintain a healthy balance between our digital and real-world lives.

A phone screen displaying the icons for various different apps including YouTube, vinted, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn,
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Technology v Attitudes.

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The advancements in technology have undoubtedly improved the lives of people with disabilities in countless ways. However, despite these improvements, the physical world remains largely inaccessible to many individuals with disabilities. This is often due to the actions of people rather than nature itself. While we have created incredible forms of transportation with a wealth of knowledge and skill, most are not wheelchair accessible. Although trains can be made accessible, we still rely on the goodwill of others to deploy ramps and leave wheelchair spaces free for those who need them. Additionally, cafes and restaurants often fail to provide enough space for individuals with visual or mobility issues to manoeuvre around comfortably. Stores continue to use lights that flicker, causing discomfort for those with sensory conditions such as autism. These are just a few examples of the many challenges that individuals with disabilities face on a daily basis.

Astronaut with the planet earth behind them.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

It is clear that attitudes need to catch up with the significant technological advancements we have made. Only then will we be able to create a truly inclusive world for all. By recognising and addressing the barriers that exist in the physical world, we can work towards creating a more accessible and accommodating environment for everyone. It is our responsibility to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not left behind in the wake of technological progress. By doing so, we can create a world that is truly inclusive and welcoming to all.

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The Erosion of Pedestrian Space: The Impacts of Pavement Parking.

Accessible play for all.

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Play is an essential part of childhood, and every child deserves access to it. Unfortunately, many playgrounds and outdoor activities are not designed with accessibility in mind, leaving children with disabilities or impairments unable to participate fully. This lack of inclusivity can cause feelings of exclusion and isolation in children, which can have long-term consequences on their mental health.

The Importance of Accessible Play

Play is crucial for a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. It helps them learn important skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, and teamwork. Play also promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles. However, many children with disabilities or impairments face barriers when it comes to accessing play.

These websites have some great ideas, and advice. https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/resources/guidance/inclusive-play

https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/activities/accessible-activities/

https://thewfa.org.uk/

Another post about access: https://mixedupmilly.uk/2022/11/08/what-is-accessibilty/

The best care?

So many people out there need that little bit of extra help, or care, if you prefer to use that word. But, what is the best care to give them?

Everyone is an individual who needs someone or something else in their life to help it be a life full of fun and quality living, not just living, but being alive and feeling alive!

What a disabled child, or disabled adult needs in the way of care will differ between each individual, but it’ll also be very different to what a frail 88 year old beds for example.

There isn’t a one answer solution, which means absolutely NO, no way should care homes be the automatic standard solution given and recommended by local (or national) government providers.

Fears over ‘catastrophic’ policy that could force disabled people into care homes

They struggle to give suitable support now, and that’s generally for pretty much one age range, the elderly. Who all each have their own needs, even the elderly vary so much. Some people choose care homes, and that’s a choice which should be recognised as theirs to make.

They may feel unable to cope day to day safely at home, and prefer to have the reassurance of help being nearby, and the social goings on, as well as being surrounded by a small community whist having their own private room and bathroom.

A huge number of those who need care of some sort to help with daily life, are of working age, quite a few actually do work in someway, whether it be going to work, working from home, running their own business, or in a voluntary capacity either in the community or from home. Now this would immediately become impossible for most if they were compelled to give up their existing life and move into a care home – bare in mind that there’s no guarantee as to where that place would be, it might well not even be local to where they live now.

Others are unable to work, but still with the right support are able to manage living at home and have a thriving social life, should they be expected to just give that up? I think not. There lives aren’t any less important than the people who are rich and famous, or those who run big businesses. Who are we to say sorry, but your life doesn’t matter.

The best care, is the care that adds value and independence for each individual person. Everyone gives back to their community in some way, whether it just be a fantastic smile and greeting that makes the other person happy and improves their day, or they run a local charity event. We all touch our community in a way, but some just need that little bit of extra time and care so they can join in with and share that sense of community and give back in their own unique way.

Let’s care in the best way as both a community, but also as nation. #bekindalways

Dear businesses,

If you own a business be absolutely fantastic if you could give accurate and up-to-date information detailing your accessibility.

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At the moment if someone wants to know detailed access information, quite often it means that they need to to phone or email the company direct to find out further information as only the basics, if that, are put on websites.

Putting a wheelchair symbol on your website purely suggests that you believe that someone who uses a wheelchair can access your services.

What I want to know is whather you have a disabled loo, disabled parking spaces, do you have a lowered desk inside?

Are you all on one level, and if not do you have a lift? If you don’t have a lift do you have a second floor, I want to know what services I can on access and what I can’t. Do you provide an alternative method of access?

If you are a cafe or restaurant do you have tables of different heights that’s allowing people to choose whichever it is more comfortable for them?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Hotels is no good just to say you have an accessible room. We need to know more information how much space is there to get around the room, does accessible bathroom have a shower or Bath? Do you provide a hoist? How do I access the room does it use a key card or a swipe card? How high is the bed?

All these things may seem silly to you, but it ensures but we get a room suitable for us and you don’t get lots of hassle because we complain.

You might not be 100% accessible, just be honest we would rather know! You might be accessible for someone who has mobility issues, but it’s not for a wheelchair user. So put that on your website.

This is just a few ideas but you get the gist.

Norwich, Disabled Citizens Inquiry.

I thought you might like to see a bit more of what the Disabled Citizens Inquiry is all about, and how information was gathered.

Here’s a video from the Norwich workshop.

Youtube video calling for change, people talking about walking and wheeling.