Article Legacy

Disability is no bar to being able to move around. The traditional sole aid to movement – the walking stick – has been superseded by a huge range of products that increase mobility at home and beyond.

Stairlifts, motorized scooters and wheeled walking frames are recent innovations that have removed the limitations that previously isolated the disabled.

Busy, unthinking, able-bodied people may often feel that these helpful developments will crowd the pavement, but it is essential for the well-being of disabled people that they are not isolated.

Various social organisations have hosted awareness sessions where the able-bodied are encouraged to understand just what it is like to be immobilised, by wearing ‘heavy’ suits that restrict movement, or glasses which let the wearer understand the difficulties of blurred vision.

There are many groups around the country who concentrate themselves on helping the disabled to continue to see the wider world, as they did when they were able to go anywhere they wanted to, at anytime. Your local hospital, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or the association of voluntary services can all help you to make contact with local groups.

The need for help with mobility unites all those whose disability limits them even though their lifestyles and limitations may differ widely. A disabled person who lacks mobility can feel imprisoned in their own home. For many years visits to distant places – previously impossible – have been provided by local charitable groups. A day out with friends is an experience that cannot be matched.

The transport must be safe and secure. Rear access to Transit style minibuses by means of a wheelchair lift or ramp is ideal. The choices available amongst these vehicles is enormous. Take a look at Ben Weaver Commercials, for the best selection of wheelchair accessible minibuses for sale nationwide.

As soon as mobility has been thus provided the users can go anywhere they like – the seaside, the countryside or anywhere in between. The minibus will have room for both wheelchair-bound passengers and their carers. What could be better than to explore your own country?

Members of these mobility groups keep in touch and arrange outings either by regular meetings or online. Possession of the group’s own wheelchair-equipped minibus allows confident planning of events and outings.

Everyone involved has to have total confidence in the roadworthiness and safety of their transport. The supervisor of the group will have ensured that the wheelchair accessible minibus and its wheelchair lift are checked thoroughly. Once this has been done the members can relax and enjoy their trip.

So, if you have a friend or relative who is housebound, help them by looking for a local mobility group. It should be possible to find such a group by checking the Yellow Pages or the internet. Starting your own group is not a problem should you find that there isn’t already one in your area. People who share your interests and concerns will not hesitate to join your group. Getting a reliable vehicle with wheelchair access or a wheelchair lift will soon repay you for your original investment in founding a not-for-profit group.