Hello All

I collected my DD’s new Lomax Kid Active wheelchair today and after a run down on it, receipt of numbers to call for repair etc I set off – and feel like I need a bit of your help!

I am going to get to grips with how it actually operates, but I almost feel afraid of people’s reactions to seeing her in it. Till now, she’s “just” looked (to the casual observer) like a big girl in a buggy. I’m not really prepared for how people will be. I know I will get over this – but it occurred to me that there is a wealth of experience out there, and someone might be able to offer me their thoughts or experiences, to help me get over it quicker?

Many thanks.

Hi, my daughter has a wheelchair buggy, and i absolutely hate it. When I first took her out in it about a year ago, I was really conscious of more people staring because it was more obvious she was disabled because of the style of buggy. I found it drew more attention to her. After a while though, even though I really want to get a better buggy for her, I realised that people will always stare, it's a normal reaction. But what i don't like is when the stare is for too long, I really think that's rude, and so I stare back which usually makes them feel uncomfortable. I feel more protective of her when people look, but I always make sure she's wearing really funky clothes, and I'm sure some people are admiring those and looking past her revolting pushchair. In fact if anyone can recommend a good buggy I'd appreciate some ideas. If you want to e-mail me feel free and good luck.
Linsey

Linsey

You don't say how old you DD is - but if you are still looking at buggys then I liked the "Kimba" by Otto Bock. It does "look" SN, though. I decided on a wheel chair as my DD is quite big for her age (almost 4) and the majors we were offered didn't provide enogh support. We may still consider a Kimba privately for short "runs". (I think they are about £1400). I have just ordered a swivel car seat from the same company and the chair part is essentially the same. My DD seemed well supported and comfortable in it. The buggy looks quite good in that it can face you as well as away, and I thought that would be quite nice.

I wanted a wheel chair really as I didn't want her going to school in what the other children would see as a pushchair.

What buggy do you have at the moment?

Angela

Hi Angela, The buggy I have for my daughter, ( she's 2 by the way), was one provided by our local NHS wheelchair services. I've forgotten the brand name, could have been 'Tender care', but I'll check that. I'm just starting to look into the different types of buggy/wheelchair. Where we live we can either have an NHS one on loan, pay towards another type (not sure what) and it will still be NHS property, or just buy our own. Does the one you have ,have a web address where I could take a look?
Linsey.xx

The buggy I mentioned can be found at

www.ottobock.co.uk

But I got my OT to get the rep round for me (even tho the car seat is privately funded.)

Linsey - if you want to email me

alrs1010@hotmail.com

Angela

My son also has a kid active, he is 3 in november and we got him in a wheelchair when he was 2. People stare and its annoying, but my son loves his wheelchair. He also has an instant bond with other adults and children in wheelchairs and always wants to go and say 'hi' :)

There is a picture of my son in his chair on my webpage (im still working on the page at the moment and gots lots to put on it)

http://special.myspecialchild.co.uk/

and you can email me on adrian@myspecialchild.co.uk if you want.

Regards

Adrian