A message from our COO

Much has happened since our last newsletter.

Within a very short period of time, our brilliant team have driven our growth to represent the voice of 150,000 wheelchair users, launched a new website and membership model, and worked hard on our third independent report - out shortly - which will focus on how we make the change needed. You can read our two previous reports here.

We’ve also launched our manifesto for change with the new government, raised awareness through the media and worked hard to form new partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations to drive change.

However, much work has yet to be done to ensure that everyone gets the right chair at the right time. It’s not just about getting from A to B – the right chair allows someone to be themselves; to be able to socialise and be independent.

It’s also key to remember that a wheelchair is not just a piece of clinical equipment, it’s an enabler. However, although some innovation has happened, this is often cost prohibitive – especially via the NHS – which means access to wheelchair technology has not really changed significantly over the last ten years. That’s why change and innovation is key.

Wheelchair users deserve so much more, and we will continue to work hard to ensure that they are listened to and have confidence that every wheelchair service provides the choice and capability to fully deliver the outcomes of each individual person.

Together we can make real change.

Nick Goldup, chair and chief operating officer, Wheelchair Alliance

We need your help! 

We recently sent an open letter to the Rt Hon Louise Haigh regarding significant concerns on the categorisation of wheelchairs. This was in response to being made aware that the Department for Transport issued an update on the legislation surrounding the use of power wheelchairs in Spring of this year.

The guidelines state that power wheelchairs over the 150KG weight limit (200kg if there are medical add-ons), will be changing its classification to 'not in class'. Such a change in classification would mean that wheelchair users in this category:

• can only be used on the road
• cannot be used on pavements, pedestrian areas, cycle tracks, or cycle lanes
• must be registered with the DVLA
• drivers must hold a valid driving license

We have therefore asked for confirmation of the impact of these proposed changes versus our concerns and called for the voices of the Alliance, wheelchair users and those in the industry to be heard.

***STOP PRESS*** ***STOP PRESS*** ***STOP PRESS*** ***STOP PRESS*** 

Just before sending out this latest newsletter, we received funding from Motability Foundation to coordinate a survey on this.

If you are a user of a powered wheelchair, we want to hear from you.

We particularly want to explore your awareness and understanding of this guidance which regulates where you can use your powered wheelchair in outdoor areas.
The survey will take less than 10 minutes, from start to finish, and can be completed on a mobile phone or via PC.

To access the survey, please follow this link.

If you have difficulties in using these devices on your own, please do ask a family member or friend to help you complete the survey.

Your views are important to us to help us help you.

This survey closes on Monday 18th November.

Many thanks for your support.

Free membership launched 

The Alliance’s free membership programme was launched in July to coincide with Disability Pride Month.

Those signing up will have access to a range of benefits, online resources and the latest news, while supporting the Alliance in its mission to influence Government and healthcare providers into recognising the importance of timely and appropriate wheelchair provision.

Since our launch, we have had 140 new members sign up, including wheelchair users and their carers, charities and other influential organisations in the disability sector, such as the MND Association and Whizz-Kidz.

Wheelchair users, their families and primary carers can sign up for free here or by scanning the QR code.

If you have already signed up, thank you! We look forward to growing this community and working together.

Alliance signs three-year agreement with British Healthcare Trades Association

The Wheelchair Alliance signed a three-year deal with the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), a not-for-profit trade association which works on behalf of its members to improve industry standards and consumer protection in the healthcare and assistive technologies arena.

As part of the three-year partnership, the BHTA will sponsor the development of the Alliance, supporting its drive to ensure that the voices of wheelchair users are heard. In return, the Alliance has committed in providing the BHTA with priority access to webinars, summits, events as well as access to its user engagement group and their annual impact report.

“Following their inclusion in the Alliance since its formation, I am delighted that the British Healthcare Trades Association has agreed to become an official partner of the Wheelchair Alliance,” said Karen Pearce, director of partnerships at Wheelchair Alliance.

“The BHTA brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and understanding, representing their industry members and we are very pleased that they have chosen to continue to support our important work for the next three years.”

Of the partnership, David Stockdale, chief executive officer of the BHTA, said: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to improving the industry, driving innovation in mobility solutions, and enhancing the quality of life for wheelchair users. At BHTA, we bring together product suppliers, commissioned service providers, retailers, and associated businesses, to help support the Wheelchair Alliance in improving the quality, access and effectiveness of wheelchair services across England.”

Call to remove travel barriers for young wheelchair users 

Recent research by Whizz-Kidz, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, has revealed that, in England, only 27% of Travel Concession Authorities (TCAs) - those responsible for administering concessionary travel schemes - offer free travel 24/7 to all disabled bus pass holders.

The Beyond Fare report highlights the inequalities between bus travel across the country with the minimum mandatory requirement for the scheme to only offer free travel between 9:30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday, and any time on Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays.

However, not all local authorities offer enhancements to this scheme with the inconsistencies creating an unnecessary barrier for many young wheelchair users when it comes to accessing employment and education opportunities, access to services like health appointments, and leisure activities.

That’s why we at the Wheelchair Alliance support Whizz-Kidz in calling on the government to mandate free bus travel at all times of day in England, for all those with a disabled bus pass.

Want to get involved?

You can email your MP and ask them if they'll put young wheelchair users first by removing these travel barriers.

Visit https://whizz-kidz.eaction.org.uk/bus-travel/ and enter your postcode to find out who your local MP is and edit a draft email for you to share.

Wheelchair Alliance explores collaboration with The Royal Parks

The Wheelchair Alliance recently met up with May Webber, access and engagement manager at The Royal Parks – a charity that is dedicated to protecting and enhancing 5,000 acres of natural and historic green space across London – to discuss free accessibility for all to enjoy.

Preserving 197 historic monuments and buildings, The Royal Parks champions physical and mental wellness, welcoming 20,000 weekly participants in sports and recreational activities while maintaining 14 playgrounds for children to safely enjoy natural play, welcoming over 34,000 families, schools, and adults annually through its learning programmes to explore and discover the parks.

“When the Wheelchair Alliance met with May it was great to hear how The Royal Parks is really focusing on accessibility,” said Karen Pearce, director and project manager at Wheelchair Alliance. “Her enthusiasm is amazing and we have had a number of conversations about the focus it has on accessibility and what that means for wheelchair users, amongst others, with various access needs. We are currently exploring opportunities for further collaboration.”

Our five-point election manifesto asks

Ahead of the general election in the summer, we launched our manifesto calling for government to address the post code lottery of wheelchair provision and, in particular, address five key points to enable change to happen.

1. Fair representation - Ensure that the voices of wheelchair users are heard.

2. Better funding - Review current investment and increase funding.

3. Standardise wheelchair provision - Remove current inequalities.

4. Mandated regulation - Instigate more rigorous regulations for wheelchair providers.

5. Accurate data - Identify data gaps and true levels of demand.

We hope that now the new government has had some time to settle in, they will work with us on addressing these key points.

Making the headlines!

Since April we have made a conscious effort to raise awareness of the Wheelchair Alliance and give wheelchair users a platform to be heard. In the last few months, we have amassed 79 pieces of media coverage, reaching more than four million people in the UK. This does not include our reach on social media. We are also now starting to receive press enquiries to comment on the issues affecting wheelchair users. More to come on this in our next newsletter!

Disclaimer:  To support wheelchair users in finding the information they are looking for, The Wheelchair Alliance will at times provide links to websites that we believe may be of interest. The Wheelchair Alliance does not endorse any particular organisation, service or product that may be advertised on third party websites. The Wheelchair Alliance assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of these third party websites.

Address:  85 Great Portland Street,
First Floor,
London, W1W 7LT

email: admin@wheelchair-alliance.co.uk