Lots of new ideas for children and young people at Mobility Roadshow
Bright new – and fun – ideas for young disabled children and teens feature at this year’s Mobility Roadshow that is celebrating 30 years showcasing the latest innovations to aid mobility for people of all ages.
Mobility Roadshow, Telford International Centre, 27-29 June
The BIME (Bath Institute of Medical Engineering) will be showcasing its fun Wizzybug powered wheelchair in the Design Zone. Designed for disabled children under five, even those as young as 18 months can operate the Wizzybug’s simple controls enabling them to join in with other children, and helping them to adapt to use of a wheelchair in later life. It was designed by BIME in collaboration with medical engineers, occupational therapists and families of disabled children. Due to funding from Shrewsbury-based charity, the Roy Fletcher Charitable Trust, BIME is able to offer the Wizzybug to four Shropshire families from its recently launched loan scheme. Children will be able to ‘test drive’ Wizzybug at the Roadshow next week.
Among other products and new concepts for disabled children is the Communication Quilt designed and developed by Joshua Barnes, a 3rd year University of Brighton student. As a means to combat symptoms of loneliness experienced by children staying long periods of time in hospital, the Communication Quilt opens up an additional line of contact between the child and their loved ones. Each animal illustration on the quilt can be linked to a friend or family member, who can in turn leave digital messages for the child to read using a smart device.
Active Hands Company has a range of gripping aids to assist children with reduced hand strength, movement or control to grip items independently.
Several wheelchair and all-terrain chair companies will be showcasing their latest models for young people, including Chunc, which specialises in children’s equipment. Fitness products also feature in models for the young, including the latest FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) exercise equipment for use at home.
In the Cyclefest zone, there will be lots of accessible trikes and cycles for young people of all ages, including side-by-side companion cycles and wheelchair passenger models.
Teenagers from 14 years upwards who are thinking of starting to drive should visit the Get Going Live! stand to learn about this one-day driving event that takes place at Donington Park on Saturday 13 July. Those 16 plus can test drive adapted vehicles, younger ones can practise transferring and familiarising themselves with the controls. Find out more and hear direct from young people who have been to past events just how much Get Going Live! helped them.
This is a great ‘try it out’ event for families with children and young disabled people, as well as carers. In addition, there is entertainment and lots of activity in the Sports Zone – including an accessible climbing wall – for children to take part in.
This is a free event, open 10 am to 5 pm Thursday and Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Register at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk for tickets, test drives and to keep abreast of news as it unfolds. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MobilityRdShow #mobilityroadshow