Since its launch in 2008 The international Wheelchair day is held on the 1 March. Australia, Nepal, Senegal, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, United Kingdom and United States of America all participate and celebrate this day, in order to show the world what a difference a wheelchair can make to a disabled person. Through events the day helps to showcase how a wheelchair allows freedom and a chance to experience a fuller and happier life, whilst acknowledging that many thousands of people around the world do not have this opportunity.*
Whilst the official date has now passed this is not something that starts and stops for one day, its’s about legacy and building that stronger into each single day as the year rolls through.
The Aims of International Wheelchair Day
The International Wheelchair Day goals are set out as;
‘To enable wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has in their lives.
To celebrate the great work of the many millions of people who provide wheelchairs, who provide support and care for wheelchair users and who make the World a better and more accessible place for people with mobility issues.
To acknowledge and react constructively to the fact there are many tens of millions of people in the World who need a wheelchair, but are unable to acquire one’
The World Health Organisation stated that as many as 100 million people around the world require a wheelchair, however only 5-15% have access to a chair to match their needs.
The History Of International WheelChair Day downloadable booklet by Steve Wilkinson guides you through the day as it has occurred between 2008 and 2016. Wilkinson who has been the creator of the International Wheelchair day talks about his knowledge of the long standing International Day of Disabilities which began in 1992.
However, with not everyone who needs a wheelchair is ‘disabled’ he wanted to create something unique. You may find this a difficult concept but there are many health conditions that cause weakness, fatigue, sensory overload or general malaise. For people suffering from these conditions a wheelchair is as important to them as it is to a disabled person. Hence the need to not compare individuals or make assumptions.
Despite the similarities and the fact that some illness can become disability the two have significant differences. There is also the added complication that someone could have both a disability and an illness. Perhaps with one or the other they could manage without a wheelchair but with both a chair is supportive and enables some additional freedom and ability to access activities for longer or simply reducing the negative health effects felt after trips away from home.
The site advocates Whirlwind Wheelchairs which is an incredible, international non-profit enterprise. They provide wheelchairs to over 60 countries, taking into account the specific requirements of the prospective owners through careful consideration of the different terrains which need to be tackled on a daily basis. So the chairs can handle anything from our pot-holed roads to the rougher planes of sandy trails and muddy pathways. The Wheelchair Stories page shows just what a difference these chairs are making from the Amazon, to Iceland, Ecuador and beyond! One specific programme is The Georgia Project. Reported as;
‘Between 2009-2014working in partnership with the World Institute On Disability (WID) and the Coalition for Independent Living (CIL) in the Republic of Georgia, providing technical assistance in the development of a sustainable RoughRider wheelchair production and repair facility’.
They continue with;
Whirlwind is continuing this collaboration with CIL by participating as a technical consultant in a 4 year, $5 million grant by USAID to increase rehabilitation services in the Republic of Georgia. (https://whirlwindwheelchair.org/the-georgia-project/)
A fantastic example of creative thinking, local knowledge and support available to those needing wheelchairs around the world.
Getting Involved In The Celebration
Although the day has now passed there are still Downloadable Logos available and we were encouraged to use them online or to print to use as posters or even to print onto bags and t-shirts. The downloadable booklet above showcases some events that have been run in the past so you can scroll through the 44 pages at your will! From running taster sessions in wheelchair sports to radio interviews, organised rallies and blog writing these are just a few examples of peoples chosen route to share experiences to support others. However, these could also be utilised at anytime.
Utilising Wheelchair Usage
Here in the UK a great place to look is WheelPower. At first glance the site has a focus on sports participation and if you look at the Events Page you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied if that’s something you want to try out. But beyond that it is about much more than that. Getting Started With Health and Fitness gives details that will maximise opportunities for those using wheelchairs and begins with a great FAQ which includes;
Benefits of being active
Building confidence in being active
Worries about hurting yourself
Fitting activity around your daily routine
What to do if the activity you want to do isn’t accessible
For further information an in-depth booklet is available to download free.There is also a for those who need help to access sports chairs and agencies they work with that enable this through the Funding Page. The WheelPower Resistance Bands Programme started in response to the Pandemic in 2020. So far it has supported over 700 disabled to stay active from their homes. These set of bands from enabled people of all ages who were shielding to own the equipment needed to maintain their fitness and improve their health and wellbeing. There are at Home exercise videos that you can try which actually use these bands on the Resources page as well as some incredible blogs, strategic plans and fundraising ideas.
If you feel you need a wheelchair in the UK, or think that what you have now is no longer meeting your needs this NHS Guide is a great way to get you started. This fully explains the different types of support available to you dependant on whether you need a chair, walking aids and also who qualifies. In some cases this would be with vouchers and for others it may cover the full cost.
In Summary
Being a wheelchair user or not being able to access one that is suitable can have profound effects on an individual’s life and, the level of ‘freedom’ the can achieve and experience. It’s fantastic to have these awareness days but the true meaning and value is in the maintenance of people’s freedom of voice and body. Looking to provide opportunities year after year. Celebrating what we have, sharing this joy and happiness and recognising the challenges, costs, support and provision required. Even with the right chair not everything falls into place. There are other factors to consider, with health and well-being at the top of the list!
*It is worth remembering that what we convey is helpful to us but at other times it’s not. However, we include it because everyones journey is different and feel that to dispose of it all would be a waste and, a dis-service to our readers.
The All Important Links
International Wheelchair Day
International Wheelchair Day - The History PDF
Whirlwind Wheelchair Providers - Who We Are
Whirlwind Wheelchair Providers - Stories
WheelPower - What We Do
WheelPower - Sports Events
WheelPower - Getting Started In Health & Fitness
WheelPower - Funding
WheelPower - Resources
NHS Guide - Mobility Equipment
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