Can anyone recommend an wheelchair driving instructor for my SEN youngster in the southwest?

[JacksDad]

Jack is a wheelchair user and non-verbal. He has poor gross and fine motor control making it difficult to use any form of wheelchair joystick. Most of the time Jack's wheelchair is controlled by his carer, although it is programmable for Jack to be able to control it.

He has had some success with a single switch control for go/stop, with his wheelchair gyro-stabilised to run in a straight line, but would love to learn how to control his wheelchair (which is capable of multi-switch input control) in direction too.

Is there anyone out there who can help him learn? He is resident in Somerset so we'd need someone in that area.

[chopinfan]

Hi JacksDad, WhizzKidz offer skills training nationwide. Have a look at their website whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-h...

[JacksDad in reply to chopinfan]

Hi chopinfan

Thanks for this - seems like the best option. I have filled out the online contact form for whizzkids and am awaiting a reply

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hi JacksDad

There a few idea - please let us know how you get on:

> drivingmobility.org.uk/ - this seems to vary service to service, but they might know someone who can help.

> Local Mencap services might know of people more locally who could help. I think Glastonbury would probably be your closest yournetwork.mencap.org.uk/g...

> It might be worth going back to the place you got the wheelchair from and ask them if they can help.

Cheers

Sarah

[JacksDad in reply to Sarah_Mencap]

Hi Sarah

Driving Mobility did not have anyone who could help, but Whizz Kidz came up trumps and Jack is being tutored by a young lady who is herself a wheelchair user, keen and very enthusiastic.

Thanks for your help

JacksDad

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to JacksDad]

That is wonderful. I am so glad this worked out - thanks for sharing this