Unbelievably, there are an estimated 70,000 disabled children in the UK whose physical mobility needs, and subsequently their ability to develop skills needed for adulthood, are not being met.
Historically the delivery of wheelchair services has suffered from delays and received little attention among health commissioners. Right now, we know that wheelchair services are not often focused on providing mobility equipment that will give users independence.
Today, Independent.ie spoke to mum-of-one Heather Hogan.
Heather is mother of teenager David (16).
Shortly after his birth, David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
At the age of two, he was diagnosed with autism. In recent years, he has lost the sight in his left eye, with his remaining sight fading.
David needs care around the clock.
Adam Gretton Health correspondent adam.gretton@archant.co.uk
Monday, August 26, 2013
A Norfolk MP has called on the government to ensure that all medical assessment centres are disability friendly after highlighting the accessibility problems at a Norwich facility.
ATOS disability protestors in Norwich. Photo: Bill Smith
Protesters gathered outside a Norwich disability centre last year to demonstrate about the lack of wheelchair access at St Mary’s House, which is run by private contractor Atos Healthcare.
The centre in Duke Street, where people undergo medicals for disability benefits, can not be visited by wheelchair users, has no parking and is a not near a bus or train station.
MP Richard Bacon urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure that Atos Healthcare’s centres are accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
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