Adventures at Center Parcs and Wheelchairs

We spent the Guy Fawkes weekend at Center Parcs, Matthew and I had visited it years ago but we had never taken the children.

We had a brilliant time and as a wheelchair user I found it mostly accessible. They had extra aids such as a wheelchair for use in the pool area that we used to take me down a ramp right into the swimming pool - this made it so much easier that negotiating the steps in the shallow end. They also had aids for people who are visually impaired such as the large, tactile maps in the main areas. These were created with the RNIB and make it map reading more accessible. All staff were very supportive and were able to offer assistance when requested. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it for families and if you have an impairment.

I'm exploring my options for a new manual wheelchair, mine is about twenty years old and whilst it still looks modern, it is rather heavy for people lifting it into their cars. I had an assessment at the wheelchair service in Trowbridge and tried a couple of manual wheelchairs. The Quickie Neon 2 was a lot lighter and it folded up which is one of my requirements. I need to enquire about prices from different wheelchair suppliers and then the wheelchair service will provide a voucher towards the cost of a new one (they could supply me with a basic wheelchair but it was no lighter than my current one.)

I'm also trying to sort out applying for a lightweight, foldable wheelchair for work, one that can be transported easily in the taxi. This will make it less tiring, give me greater independence especially when I'm delivering training. I'll also be able to use my cane which means I'll bump into less things and be more confident when moving around. It's a long process - I'm applying through Access to Work but it will be worth in the long run.