Toilets and bathrooms are generally not created to accommodate people with disabilities, for example, some people in wheelchairs may find it difficult to transfer from their chair to the toilet seat without the use of a handrail. Also on the same token, in regards to public toilets, some stalls may not have enough room for a wheelchair, posing another difficulty. Disabled toilets and bathrooms are designed to overcome this issue, offering more space to users whilst providing handrails and bars to aid a person.
In 2004, it was reported that 1,134 incidents involving mobility scooters were reported. MPs and safety campaigners have tried for years to regulate the selling and registration of mobility aids in order to ensure the industry is regulated properly. One of our previous blogs talked about safety courses brought in to reduce the injuries and deaths caused by and to mobility users. Here we look at liability insurance – would it be a welcome change to enforce compulsory insurance or is it just an additional expense mobility users cannot afford?
Following reports it seems disabled house seekers are continuously facing problems when trying to find new properties, due to estate agents and housing websites not providing enough information on how accessible the properties are.
Mobility aids have always had a stigma attached to them – say the words “Zimmer frame” and people conjure up an old people’s home. However mobility aids are not just for a certain age – many people find a need for mobility aids as day to day life becomes a struggle. However, news this year has surprised many of us because teenagers are becoming fans of mobility scooters!
The BBC has reported that the first safety course in Wales has been introduced recently. Run by Cardiff Council, mobility scooter users are taught how to manoeuvre in shops, around pedestrians and general road safety. Cardiff hopes other councils in Wales will follow in order to address the growing problems of accidents and deaths that occur each year.
All mobility aid users face problems with accessibility from time to time. How many times have you planned a trip only to be refused travel on your local bus or train? Well, good news has arrived this month from Transport for London (TfL). Although you may not live in London, any news of companies and bodies embracing the realisation that mobility aid users need help is good news. It will hopefully be the start of more transportation companies having a change of heart and ensuring mobility aid users can enjoy the same transport rights as everyone else.
Golf is a brilliant game to enjoy for a number of reasons. It’s firstly great to get out in the fresh air, catch a bit of the sun and it can be a great form of gentle exercise. It’s also brilliant of course to beat your opponent and be treated to a champions drink after the 18th hole!
Being disabled comes with its own set of disadvantages, let alone financial worries. The level and severity of a person’s disability defines whether that person would need specialised or unspecialised equipment. The ongoing need for expensive, adaptive equipment can be achieved with the help of the government and their funding guide. The reduction of income or the inability to work allows the government to aid the disabled peoples in obtaining equipment that is necessary for their specific needs.
The Blue Badge scheme has been created to cater for drivers and passengers with severe mobility problems; this scheme permits blue badge customers to park closer to their destination. However, this scheme does not apply to off street parking.
During this year’s Mobility Road show Steve Tarrant, 51 from Poole will attempt to break a world record, by travelling the furthest distance ever in 24 hours on a mobility scooter.