Posts

Cerebral Palsy myths!

Common CP myths! That all people with CP are in wheelchairs - It’s true that some people with CP are in wheelchairs, not everyone is. CP ranges from mild to severe. Many individuals with CP can walk and run free from any aids. That we are mentally challenged - Again it’s true that some people with CP have learning difficulties, but not everyone. In fact many people with CP gain places at universities and can have well paid jobs. That we can’t have children - CP does not limit our abilities to create children. Many people with CP all over the world are parents to healthy children. That we can’t live independently - Some people with the most severe cases of CP, may need care for their entire life. However a lot of adults with CP can lead very independent lives, even if they use mobility aids and technology devises to make life easier. That CP is a rare disorder - CP is actually the most common childhood motor disorder. It affects approximately 1 in every 400 births. ...

A recap of 2019!

It’s almost over! So it’s the last day of 2019. This year has gone so quickly. I find that as you get older time feels like it’s going so much more quickly. This year has had its ups and downs. I’ll start with the ups. I met my amazing boyfriend. I went on the holiday of a lifetime in Australia. My fine motor skills have improved slightly. I painted my nails for the very first time. ( A huge challenge ) I celebrated my 21st birthday. Now for the downs. My mobility has rapidly deteriorated. I have lost my ability to walk unaided. I’ve had to drop out of college, as I can’t concentrate due to the crippling pain. The sleepless nights. Overall 2019 has been tough, but I’ve tried to stay positive. Who knows what will happen in 2020 I hope everyone has an amazing new year. Thanks for reading  Chloe x

Questions you should never ask wheelchair users!

Why are you in a wheelchair? Firstly its no one else’s business as to why an individual requires the use of a wheelchair. Also it could be very upsetting or traumatic, so they may not want to talk about it. Where’s your carer?  Don’t just assume that someone needs a carer with them just because they are in a wheelchair. Many wheelchair users live very independent life’s and have learned to adapt. Are they your children? If a disabled adult is in the supermarket with a few kids, yes they could well be there’s. We are still capable of creating little life’s. Yes we may need to adapt and do things a little differently, but many disabled individuals are parents.  Have you always been like this? Some people don’t like to speak about their disability. They may not want to talk about how their life previously was. It can be really hard to adapt, when you have known different. Wait, did you drive here? Even though not everyone has the normal use of their le...

New wheelchair review!

Electric wheelchair review Last week my new electric wheelchair was delivered to my door. In my last blog I talked about it a little bit, but I thought I would give you a more detailed review. The wheelchair I have is the Foldawheel. It’s a foldable, lightweight electric wheelchair. I love the design of it, which I can’t say about many electric wheelchairs. I find it very easy to manoeuvre, despite my poor hand function. The Foldawheel is very comfortable for me, far better than my manual chair. I’m able to stay comfortable sitting in it all day, which is a must as I’m sometimes having to spend the whole day in a wheelchair now. This wheelchair can get up and down curbs safely and easily, once you know how. When both batteries are in the chair, it can last all day. But if it runs out of power, it can be pushed by someone. It drives smoothly across all terrain. Overall I’m very satisfied with my new wheelchair and would highly rec...

It felt amazing!

Freedom Yesterday me and my boyfriend went out to the bowling alley. It was my first proper go of my new electric wheelchair. Before this outing, I had only driven it round my garden. It was the first time I’ve been able to move independently outside my home for a few months (since I lost my independent walking). I felt so free. Being able to drive next to my boyfriend and look at him when talking felt so good. I was also so much more comfortable in my new chair, than my manual and didn’t experience any pressure sores.  I am so excited about going out on more outing with my new wheelchair. I will give you a more detailed review in my next blog. Thanks for reading  Chloe x

Getting used to my new wheels!

I’m getting the hang of it! On Tuesday my new folding electric wheelchair arrived. I’ve been practicing my driving everyday. The first day of trying it out in my garden I was all over the place, crashing into everything. I’m definitely a lot more controlled now and I’m a safe driver. I have gained enough confidence to take it out on outings. I would definitely recommend this chair to anyone with mobility issues. I’m going to take it out tomorrow when I go bowling with my boyfriend. I’m really looking forward about having a little bit more independence when I’m out and about. Thanks for reading  Chloe x

My school experience!

School experience  I started school in 2003 and left in 2015. My experience at school was pretty good. I made many friends and we’re still seeing each other today. Throughout my school day I had a learning support assistant ( LSA ) 24/7, as I had significant support  needs. I’ve never been able to write or draw. I had mild learning difficulties. I required help with pretty much anything that meant using my hands. I also required help with anything in terms of my self care, which they were more than happy to assist me with. I would need someone to walk with me around school, in case I became unstable or got knocked over. During my time at school I had very good mobility, so I wasn’t in a wheelchair unless I was recovering from an operation. I was able to participate in P.E most of the time and if something was too difficult, my teachers would adapt the sport to my ability. Both my primary and secondary school were very inclus...