Access magazine Issue October/November 2014 edition, published 10th October 2014. Here Brad looks ahead to the changes of season with some trepidation…
The onset of a autumn is a seamless process at first – a window of time during which nature responds to the shortening of the days. Leaves change colour and pathways become sticky and slippery under feet and ferrules. You can see your breath as you briskly engage gloved
hand to your wheelchair grippers on chilly nights and early mornings. To me, that first time you see your breath is the real first of autumn.
But the fading of summer is beautifully visible. Flowers still vibrantly bloom in their beds with their spirited colours – or maybe we only perceive them as being this way because very soon they’ll be covered by frost to die as the harsh winter seeps in.
A scary time of year
For disabled people with mobility issues, this is a particularly scary time of year. The conditions make it hazardous to get around, and with soaring heating bills for all to endure in the coming months, it’s time to settle down for winter and prepare for what’s ahead. Now is also the time to plan for next year’s spring and summer activities, holidays and days out, and to perhaps try and lose a few pounds ahead of the party season (which for me, is every other weekend)!
I’m always thinking about ways in which I can improve my walking. Despite having two mobility scooters provided by the government’s Access to Work scheme, as well as a manual wheelchair, I still feel it is vitally important to really work your legs to improve muscle tone and confidence. Daily physiotherapy is crucial, as it will help you reach your full physical potential and functional ability. Moreover, it makes you feel good to work up a sweat. Download a funky, exhilarating playlist to your phone, put your headphones on and get yourself into a routine. I picture myself as one of our Paralympic heroes to motivate and target the mind – great fun, hugely inspiring and totally uplifting!
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy states that, “Physiotherapy is clinically effective and costeffective in the treatment of people who have had a stroke.” I know this to be the case first-hand, as I’ve had various physiotherapists work their magic on my weary lower-limbs over the years, with reasonable success, so I buy into this mantra. But why do we have to wait so long for an assessment – in some cases, more than 13 weeks for a referral? It is laughable, because such treatments are needed urgently, not in three months time!
Sure, you need to set yourself a strategy and plan a routine at home, but regular sessions with a specialist will make a significant impact in your rehabilitation. It drives your confidence and selfesteem, promotes self-worth and an active lifestyle. Any improvement in your walking and mobility will furthermore mean a quick integration into society. The guidance, long-term support and acute care from a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists can make it happen for you NOW, just when you need it.
Not good enough
So I’ll be improving my mobility over the coming season – since if I want to visit a significant proportion of the fine attractions this country has to offer, I certainly won’t have much success using my wheelchair or mobility scooters. A recent survey commissioned by the DWP and conducted by the respite charity Vitalise found that nearly two thirds of the UK’s top attractions were not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
That is simply not good enough. Our country is so rich in its diversity and equal opportunities for all, so why is this the case? I think I may just change into my pyjamas and get ready for a few months of deep sleep during the dark days of winter ahead…
That said, though, look out for my next Shooting from the Lip column, in which I’ll be reporting back from an awards ceremony looking to celebrate and highlight disabled access best practice amongst the UK’s top tourist attractions.
