News
Don Foster calls for reform of wheelchair services for children and young people
There are currently an estimated 70,000 disabled children and young people in the UK who have unmet mobility needs. To achieve independence, self-sufficiency and, in many cases, basic comfort, these children need properly fitted wheelchairs appropriate to their individual needs. Reform of paediatric wheelchair services is absolutely necessary to break the cycle of discomfort, pain and dependence that disabled children experience as a result of inadequate provision.
Don Foster has worked closely with the charity, Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) whose key aim is to ensure that successful design solutions are available for all those who can benefit. As such, they have pioneered the “Wizzybug”, which is a fun powered vehicle for disabled children aged between 18 months and 5 years to enable them to experience early years mobility.
Commenting Tony Husband the Commercial Manager of BIME said, “The Wizzybug encourages young children to be independently mobile, so that they can explore their surroundings and develop spatial awareness, social interaction and motivation. These are all important for normal child development, with the key aim being to improve the quality of life for the disabled child through a fun experience of mobility.”
Don Foster added, “This report highlights not only the importance of providing better mobility to young children but also that it is economically viable. It is totally unacceptable for children to be left in pain and discomfort when it is totally avoidable. I hope that the recommendations in this report will be taken up”.
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Notes to editor:
The Full report, “My Wheelchair is my shoe - making the case for wheelchair reform” can be found https://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/APPG-Report-My-Wheelchair-is-My-Shoes-Final2.pdf
For further information on BIME’s work please contact Tony Husband on 01225 824109 and is available for a photograph shoot on the 5/7/2023
