Every year since 2008, the first of March has been known as International Wheelchair Day. A day solely dedicated to celebrating the positive impact your wheelchair has on your life and the freedom it gives you.
For International Wheelchair Day we have a Mr. Steve ”Wheelchair Steve” Wilkinson to thank. It was Steve who was diagnosed with Spina Bifida at the age of 2 who believed there should be more of a focus on the wheelchair. Steve wasn’t originally a full-time wheelchair user. From the age of 10, he would walk with sticks, and in his late teens, he got around with his first car.
At work, Steve had even managed to walk around the office. It wasn’t until 2012 after a lengthy lay off because of illness that he realised his leg muscles and strength would take some time to rebuild. So, Steve turned to his wheelchair.
”Mobility became much easier for me”
– Steve Wilkinson
Wanting to share and celebrate the freedom and independence a wheelchair now gave him. Steve was inspired to create International Wheelchair Day. To his surprise, over time the day started to build, it drew in many others, and after 8 years later, it is starting to take on a life of its own.
Getting Involved:
Many people are reading more and more about the day and getting involved. They have started to organise their own events and activities to celebrate and mark the day. Both people and organisations all over the world, including Australia, the USA, Nepal, Pakistan, and us here in the UK have and are celebrating in their own way.
What It’s All About:
It’s been 13 years since the first Wheelchair Day and each year it grows and reaches more. But of course, like many other big awareness days there are aims and goals it hopes to achieve:
- To celebrate the amazing work of those who provide wheelchairs, supports, and care for wheelchair users.
- Enable wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact their wheelchair has on their lives.
- Recognise those that make the world a better more accessible place, with special praise t those who help wheelchair users
- To acknowledge the fact that there are still millions of people across the globe who need a wheelchair but still not have one.
Celebrating The Day:
Right now, it’s difficult to imagine there are events and activities going ahead with COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions. But this doesn’t mean you can’t do something at home to mark the day.
At Home Cinema:
Treat yourself and those around you to a movie night. Pull out all the stops with snacks and treats. Curtains pulled and TV loud like in the movies. Pick your favourite movie and enjoy a night of fun.
Getting Active:
Sports is always a great way to get the heart pumping. You have wheelchair football and basketball for adrenaline junkies or something a little more reserved you have tabletop tennis or carpet bowls.
Get Together:
Being stuck at home can have a serious effect on our mental health. Why not celebrate the day with a good old chat with family and/or friends. Open up zoom/skype and have a natter. You will certainly feel good after a chit-chat.
Enjoying a Cuppa:
There’s nothing like a well-brewed cup of tea to make you feel comfortable and happy. Make a round for the family and reminisce over some hilarious family moments.
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