Getting around in a wheelchair

[alibear]

Hi all, apologies if there's a topic on this already... but does anyone have any advice on getting around Glastonbury in a manual wheelchair? I'm bringing my hubby for the first time this year and he can't walk at all.

We've applied for the disabled campsite/PA etc and will try and get the campsite bus tickets too, I'm kind of more after general advice/tips on getting around, especially if the weather's bad! (which it WON'T be)

Google didn't offer much for people in chairs, only those using walking sticks or visually impaired... if any of you lovely people can offer pearls of wisdom or point me in the right direction I'd be most grateful :-)

[eFestivals]

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/glastonbury/info-disabled.shtml

[alibear]

Thank you, that's on my list of material :-)

I was just worried the site had changed in terms of layout/facilities since those reports - in fact I'm thinking of writing something from a chair user/PA perspective after the fest, so I may be in touch!

Edited February 20, 2013 by alibear

[StoneCircle]

The Gorge website about getting around in a wheelchair is a very informative read!

http://www.gorge.org/glastonbury/disabled.shtml

[eFestivals]

Thank you, that's on my list of material :-)

I was just worried the site had changed in terms of layout/facilities since those reports - in fact I'm thinking of writing something from a chair user/PA perspective after the fest, so I may be in touch!

the facilities might have changed, but the site layout won't have changed much at all.

If you're able to give efestivals an updated guide after the fest, that would be very much appreciated.

[guypjfreak]

you can hire out mobile buggys from the disabled field for about £30 a day [ dont quote me tho ] but if i remember rightly you do have to book in advance .

the people who run the disabled department are top of the range and always really helpful .....oh i think its a company that runs and hires out the buggys i cant remember their name soz but they are based in the disabled field ..

hang on wifes just found them its FAIR MOBILITY .UK ok

hope this helps

[alibear]

Brilliant, thank you. He didn't really want to use an electric chair but I'm not sure he'll have a choice if the weather's bad (which it WON'T be!)

[MrHew]

What type of manual does he use? Can he self propel? The Trekinetic is an all terrain manual but it doesn't offer much in the way of seating support if your hubbies got postural issues too. I chatted to a guy who used one at Glastonbury in 2011 and he got on with it fine through the wetter muddy parts.

The thick, sticky stuff was more of a problem but still doable - although he was stacked in the arm department.

[alibear]

He uses a manual and can self-propel - it's a tetraplegic (paraylised from chest down with limited hand/arm function)

He is pretty strong (plays sport for a living) but his lack of full tricep can be a pain sometimes! Thanks for the link, I'll definitely see what he thinks.

[MrHew]

Cheeky request: The charity I work for Whizz-Kidz are always looking for inspirational, disabled role models to meet, talk to and inspire disabled children/young people. As he's a sportsman, he could fit the bill. Is this something that might interest him?

[alibear]

I know Whizz-Kidz - I met a lovely young girl who uses one of your wheelchairs a few months ago! I'll PM you.

...And StoneCircle - thanks for that link - somehow I missed it when searching myself but there are some absolute gems of advice in there.