Special needs buggy

sarah1711

Had a referral from OT and had a letter from our clinical psychologist and special needs nursery to support the referral and still got told by wheelchair services that because he can walk we won't get one, they tried to make out that because its a behavioural problem then they can't help, we are trying to appeal the decision as he doesn't just have behavioural problems its a mental problem as well

bribri_2

If you have a look at appendix 5 of the wheelchair managers guide it says that grade 2 =

PART TIME USER

[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]

LONG TERM [/FONT][/FONT]- Ability to walk short distances. Requires wheelchair on [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]regular basis for outdoor use [/FONT][/FONT]or to enhance quality of life for user/Carer
Pushed standard or lightweight
Self propelling standard,

You need to find out (possibly with a freedom of information request) what the local policy is on provision of wheelchairs where it supports the carer as well as the user.

sarah1711

Thanks for that, who do I speak to about that then? Wheelchair services? I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall some days so glad of the advice

mucklebones

Could it be worth applying to the family fund, they help out families with disabled children. Goodluck, having a similar problem myself there is only so much more my pushchair will take its quite robust but I need something more suitable to her height and weight now.

Brassedoff

bribri wrote: »

If you have a look at appendix 5 of the wheelchair managers guide it says that grade 2 =

PART TIME USER

[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]

LONG TERM [/FONT][/FONT]- Ability to walk short distances. Requires wheelchair on [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]regular basis for outdoor use [/FONT][/FONT]or to enhance quality of life for user/Carer
Pushed standard or lightweight
Self propelling standard,

You need to find out (possibly with a freedom of information request) what the local policy is on provision of wheelchairs where it supports the carer as well as the user.

Well I virtually cannot walk, the OT, Ghandi, Obama, HM The Queen and Specialist said I need one, but the wheelchair services said they no longer give one to part timers or people who need to use it just inside or outside. It took the MP getting medieval on their case to change their mind. I suppose if you kick up enough of a fuss you might get one.

bribri_2

Brassedoff wrote: »

It took the MP getting medieval on their case to change their mind. I suppose if you kick up enough of a fuss you might get one.

Yep. It might need that. To help you, ask wheelchair services for their policy on provision of paediatric wheelchairs. Their refusal should be based on need not budget so the policy should state categories of need.

tessie_bear

Are you under a paeditirician? If so can you ask for a refferal to wheel chair services?
Cost should not be the reason for not having access to the services your son requires.
Do you have a social worker? If not ask for a needs assessment, you may find you really have to push to get any action.
Is your son attending school or nursery? If so can they refer you through to wheel chair services.
Can you contact the Community Learning Disability Team for further guidance or support.

Failing these option you may consider the Family Fund to fund you through a grant application.
The Variety Club of Great Britain may be a good starting point for a charity funded application.

A lot of possibilities, hope some of it helps.

You really do have to be single minded to get what is neeeded.

You may find it useful to quote the disability discrimination (DDA 1995) reasonable adjustment needs to be made for people with disabilities.

Valuing People (2001) is a useful guide to mention in the way in which people with Learning Disabilites are excluded in society.

The Michael Report (2008?) also explainshow people with Learning Disabilites should have access to mainstream clinical services. ie you do not need to be physical disabilities to need a specialist buggy. An unseen disability is just as debilitating.