Disabled Living

Month: March 2019

  • Cerebra Innovation Centre Wins Prestigious St David Award

    Cerebra Innovation Centre Wins Prestigious St David Award

    This post has been written by Cerebra on behalf of Disabled Living.

    The Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC), a partnership between Carmarthen based charity Cerebra and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), has won a prestigious award for Innovation, Science and Technology Award at the annual St David Awards ceremony organised by Welsh Government.

    Cerebra Innovation Centre is a team of engineers based within UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art. They design and build innovative, bespoke products to help disabled children to discover the world around them. Their designs are desirable and exciting as well as functional, promoting social inclusion and peer acceptance for the children they help. Products and advice are provided to families free of charge.

    The St David Awards are the national awards of Wales and are nominated for by the public.

    Now in their sixth year, the Awards offer the opportunity to celebrate the nation’s most inspiring and talented people, and to give them the national recognition they deserve.  The finalists and winners are decided upon by the First Minister of the Welsh Government and his advisers.  The winners of the nine St David Awards categories were announced at a special ceremony that took place in the Senedd in Cardiff on March 21st.

    “The CIC team are so proud to have won the St David Award!” said Dr Ross Head, Product Design Manager, CIC. Our jobs give us so much satisfaction; to be able to help children access activities that most people take for granted is a great privilege but to be recognised nationally for our work is simply amazing. A huge thank you to all of the Cerebra staff and our supporters, without whom we would not be able to fund this work. We believe that, with a little bit of help, anything is possible – I hope that winning this award will pave the way to helping many more children across the UK.”

    Tracy Elliot, Head of Research and Information at Cerebra added:  “We are delighted to have won the St David Award 2019 for Innovation, Science and Technology.  We believe passionately that the young people we support should be able to take part and participate fully in society.  We develop innovative and, above all, fun solutions to the problems and barriers parents raise with us. Our designs aim to reduce some of the social stigma attached to disabilities by making not only functional but beautiful products that enable our young people to participate in activities that are too often closed to them.  We aim to demonstrate what can be achieved with the right attitude and support and hope that by winning this award some of our passion and belief will influence others.”

    Ross and the team develop logical, innovative and fun solutions for children with brain conditions.

    Their designs aim to reduce some of the social stigma attached to disabilities by making not only functional but also beautiful products for amazing young people. Some of their products are ‘one-off’ bespoke designs, others are made in small batches and some are designed with the commercial market in mind.

    The ethos of CIC is simple – if they can dream big, they can do big. Never accept it’s not possible. The Team have designed lots of equipment to help children in disabilities participate in activities such as surfing, horse riding and even triathlons. Last Autumn CIC helped six-year-old Imogen, who has cerebral palsy, reach the top of south Wales’ highest mountain in a specially modified four wheeled mountain bike.

    Imogen’s mum, Catherine, explained the difference the team have made to her family:

    Imogen was so thrilled and excited to have completed the climb. It’s only thanks to the team at Cerebra that she’s been able to have this adventure. She’s never been able to do anything like this before because of her cerebral palsy. There have been so many times that she hasn’t been able to join in with physical activities which leaves her feeling left out. Being able to do things like this is a real boost to her confidence and self-esteem. We really are over the moon that CIC have won this Award.

    Professor Ian Walsh, Dean of UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art is extremely proud of the team, adding: “The University is delighted that the Cerebra Innovation Centre has won such a prestigious award. The innovative and inspirational work of the Centre has transformed countless lives over the past 15-years”.

    For more information on Cerebra and the Cerebra Innovation Centre, please visit www.cerebra.org.uk

  • Providing Freedom and Independence this Summer

    Providing Freedom and Independence this Summer

    This post has been written by Katie O’Thy, Digital Marketing Assistant at Pro Rider Mobility, who are listed in our Supplier Directory.

    If you or a family member have a disability which means having to use a mobility scooter then you will know how difficult it can be to get out and about during the cold, wet, winter months.

    Fortunately enough we have now said goodbye to winter and hello to spring, we’re more than ready to welcome some sunshine and the days being lighter for longer. With the change in season comes a change in possibilities for those who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

    The spring and summer days allows those who are disabled to access more opportunities and not be restricted by the confines of the house – day in, day out.

    A mobility scooter can give freedom and independence to those who want it the most, from being able to go to the local supermarket to do some shopping, taking their fluffy companion for a walk or even being able to go for a day out with the family.

    red and black scooter with basket by pro rider mobility

    There are a variety of mobility scooters available to cater and meet everyone’s needs, from a light, foldable scooter which is easy to store and place, to pavement and road scooters which are available in different speeds and sizes.

    A foldable mobility scooter is a great choice for the upcoming summer months, it doesn’t limit you to where you can go and what you can do because with the easy to fold option it only takes a minute to fold the scooter up, pack it in the car and head out with the family for a fun filled day. We’re sure this is something that the whole family will love, being able to spend time with all of their loved ones and not feeling as if anybody is left out due to their disability.

    Summer Scooter Safety

    While thinking about how the warmer weather makes for a more pleasant day out, now is a good time to mention how the roads and pavements will be much safer compared to winter.

    During the colder months we find it to be a lot wetter and potentially icy outside, causing accidents to all people of all ages. These conditions however, put our elderly or disabled family members at more risk so it’s no wonder that staying in during winter can seem like a better and of course, safer option.

    With the sun now beginning to shine and the rain not making as many appearances, the pavements are dry, accessible and most importantly safe for mobility scooter users; there is no risk of slipping on ice or getting soaked!

    We know that independence to someone with a disability is massively important and that’s why we aim to help with providing as much increased independence as possible along with making sure awareness of safety is paramount; not just in the summer months but all year round.

    By opting for a mobility scooter you’re guaranteeing yourself a much more positive future, no longer being stuck and having to rely on others, no more worried family members fearing you might injure yourself on your feet. Operating a mobility scooter it is so straightforward; it can be gotten to grips with in no time, and with further support always available, it really is worth making this investment to an improved and more fulfilled lifestyle!

    For more information please visit: www.proridermobility.com

    If you would like to submit a blog post to Disabled Living please send an email to: info@disabledliving.co.uk

  • The Trekinetic Wheelchair by Beyond the Boundary Wheelchairs

    The Trekinetic Wheelchair by Beyond the Boundary Wheelchairs

    This post has been written by Michelle Katz from Beyond the Boundary Wheelchairs who are listed in our Supplier Directory.

    Viv and I are partners in Beyond The Boundary Wheelchairs. We are also sisters and counsellors, and we both chose our profession so we could ‘make a difference’ and help people live their lives in a happier, more fulfilling way.

    When we first discovered the Trekinetic wheelchair we realised, surprisingly so, that these lightweight and all terrain chairs offered the same betterments for disabled people, their families and caregivers, as counselling did for our clients.

    Feeling safe and confident that the chair will cope with most terrains, means people can live their lives in an increasingly freeing, independent and happier way. And as horizons broaden, and challenges previously unattainable or withdrawn from, are faced, self esteem and confidence increases, enabling even more obstacles to be tackled. One might call it a forward propelling cycle..mentally, physically, emotionally and probably spiritually too.

    Meeting incredible people

    In the 5 years we’ve been selling Trekinetics we have met some of the most incredible people, and when we’re told how much difference the chair has made to their lives, we are simply tickled pink.

    GTE silver side view

    To witness someone who has lived opposite the moors at Dartmoor for years but never been able to access them until she tried the powered trekinetic GTE, was just magical for everyone, and truly an emotional experience. A year later, Hannah sent us this:

    I’ve lived on Dartmoor’s doorstep my entire life end yet until now I have been unable to negotiate any of its undulations, styles, see its beautiful sunsets, visit any of my favourite places or experience new ones without much effort. Now I’m pleased to say that’s a thing of the past. The speed is awesome! The chair is very comfortable and light. In all honesty when you look at the chair for the first time you could be forgiven for thinking it would make it at all, to anywhere but then it does! I’ve owned the GTE for over a year and am having a fantastic time and I’m looking forward to many more fantastic times.

    Much to our wonderful designer and manufacturer’s delight, (petrolhead and former tool maker for Formula 1, Mike Spindle) Hannah went on to say:

    “As amazing as perhaps collecting the keys to a brand-new F type Jaguar – the Trekinetic GTE is smart, beautiful, sharp and in a league of its own; this is infinitely better, it’s life changing.”

    woman in wheelchair looking at the view
    Helen looking over the scenery in New York
    woman in wheelchair outside in the snow
    Helen outside in the snow

    We love gathering information about what people think of the Trekinetic, but it was with a little trepidation when we asked Julia what she thought of our State of The Art, Funky 3 Wheeled Off Road Powered Chair, as she too is an engineer! Mike was of course thrilled with her 10/10 for style and we were delighted she’d get to keep her husband!

    I wanted a chair that was light weight, powered and all terrain, and would enable me to go for walks with my husband so he didn’t have to go alone (or find a new partner!) I absolutely loved the design, and would, if asked, give it 10/10 for style. Thank you for your time, attention to detail & patience. I can’t think of anything that would have improved my first experience, and my order is in the post. Julia V. – Slough, UK

    Helen has travelled some 230 miles in the 2.5 years she’s had her chair. She’s been to wonderful places in the UK and abroad. She was especially pleased she could continue to go out when it snowed.

    Maggie takes her dogs to their agility classes, and then for a lovely run and playtime on the beach.

    woman in wheelchair with 2 dogs on the beach

    And then I met Elisabeth. Beautiful, energetic, crazy, shoe addict, and owner of the Ultimate Vegan Cafe (opening soon in Lichfield). There is no denying the Trekinetics are eye catching, and Elisabeth has certainly caught the eye of several celebrities, including Steven Fry and her idol, Eric Cantona.

    elisabeth and eric cantona smiling for photo

    Elisabeth said: “I have had my green chair for two months now and it has changed my life.” 

    She continued to say:

    I loved the wheelchair immediately. It was comfortable, practical and looked great. I was amazed at all the options available for the chair. A dog walking attachment for a dog lead an umbrella, a fitted water bottle and a range of colours for the chair. I have had my green chair for two months now and it has changed my life. I cannot wait to go out the house now, the chair is so easy to drive, I get stopped so many times by strangers asking me about my chair.

    I have been across fields and around London shopping. I love it. It fits into our car a lot easier than my old one and is much lighter. I love my chair so much I have ordered a second one. I am going to Vegas in October and can’t wait, as I know how comfortable and agile my chair will be. Thank you Beyond the Boundary Wheelchairs for making my life a happier and more fulfilled one. – All–terrain Trekinetic GTE Wheelchair owner

    GTE folded away in car woman in wheelchair in front of van with her dog

    We are so proud to be involved with Trekinetic

    There is simply no other chair like it. We know it won’t suit everyone, and that the majority of wheelchair users generally have at least 2 chairs. However because they’re bespoke, so many adaptations are possible. They’re great outdoors and incredibly maneuverable indoors. They can be lifted and put it any almost every car. To our knowledge the GTE is the only Powered All Terrain wheelchair in the world where that’s possible. It’s suitable for children and can be adapted as they grow and reach adulthood. And the chairs are incredibly comfortable and safe.

    Viv and I really enjoy meeting people and enabling them to try the Trekinetic out in their homes. If you’re interested in having a no obligation demo, please do call us 07973 731194 / 07885 059990

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Disabled Living