Dr. Brian Iddon MP Backs Child Mobility Campaign

Bolton South East MP Dr. Brian Iddon MP has added his support to a campaign by national children’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz to improve the wheelchair services for disabled children and young people.

So far almost 100 cross-party MPs have signed EDM 176 which highlights the importance of providing independent mobility equipment such as lightweight and powered wheelchairs. The move would enable disabled children and young people to participate fully in school and in social activities – in the same way as their non-disabled friends.

Dr Iddon MP is also writing to Bolton Primary Care Trust to find out more about the wheelchair services they provide to disabled children and young people, and their plans for improvement as outlined in the Government’s recent review ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’.

Dr Iddon said

“This is an important campaign and it’s critical that we find out what steps local services are taking to provide the right wheelchair and the ongoing support that growing disabled children and their parents rely on to enjoy a normal, family life”

Chair of the charity’s ‘Kidz Board’, Jamie Green (14) added:

“This is about a lot more than a piece of equipment for me, it’s about being able to make decisions for myself about where I go, what I want to do and when.

“A heavy or uncomfortable wheelchair can mean you end up having to rely on other people to push you.  Not ideal for a teenager who wants to go out with friends and start being more independent.”

“I want the Government to recognise that having the right kind of wheelchair is a basic human right, not something you should have to fight for.’’

There are 70,000 children across the UK who need a wheelchair to satisfy their basic right to a full and active childhood, and to develop the skills and confidence they need for the future, such as when they enter employment.

1. Dr Brian Iddon signed EDM 176. the contents of which can be viewed here http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34272&SESSION=891 

2. Whizz-Kidz has changed the lives of over 7,500 disabled children since 1990. The charity supports young people to access the right mobility equipment, including powered wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs, at the right time. Whizz-Kidz also delivers wheelchair skills-training and other life-skills training to help support the transition from childhood to adulthood. To find out more and help move a life forward visit: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

3. The current reform of the NHS wheelchair services is taking place through the Department of Health’s ‘Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services’ Programme.