A lot has changed for people with disabilities since the 1950s, when the then seven-year-old Alice Moira was given her first wheelchair—made of wood and impossible for her to push herself. While technology and societal understanding of disability have advanced significantly, wheelchair users still face challenges in a world often designed without them in mind. Recent plans to cut disability benefits in the UK have raised concerns about a potential retreat in disability rights. Thirty years after the UK’s Disability Discrimination Act became law, Moira, now 81, chats with 25-year-old Lochlann O’Higgins about their shared and differing experiences as wheelchair users.
Early Experiences with Wheelchairs
Lochlann O’Higgins recalls his introduction to a wheelchair at the age of two due to brittle bone disease. “I apparently just jumped in it and started wheeling up and down the corridor,” he says, describing the newfound freedom it provided. In contrast, Alice Moira was initially terrified of her wheelchair at St Margaret’s, a boarding school for children with cerebral palsy. “I was going to fight the world whether they liked it or not,” she recalls, refusing to sit for a year until a special table was built for her to stand while working.
Education and Social Integration
Moira’s school years were marked by challenges, including being pushed out of school at age 10 due to undiagnosed vision issues related to cerebral palsy. Her father’s involvement with the Spastic Society, now known as Scope, eventually led to the establishment of schools she could attend. O’Higgins, meanwhile, faced his own set of difficulties attending a non-disabled school in the UK after moving from China. Despite being the only wheelchair user, he found camaraderie with friends eager to experience his wheelchair.
“People were very interested in me—I was unique,” O’Higgins notes, though he acknowledges the limitations he faced in physical activities like PE lessons. Moira echoes the sentiment, recalling the joy of friends riding on her wheelchair down hills.
Workplace Challenges and Adaptations
Navigating the workplace presents unique challenges for wheelchair users. O’Higgins, currently pursuing a master’s in software engineering, prefers remote work to avoid the stress of commuting. Moira, who became a social worker, faced significant hurdles in her job search, making 200 applications before securing a position. “I put on top of my list the ability to solve problems, to talk to people, to understand people,” she says, emphasizing the non-physical skills she brought to her role.
Housing Accessibility: Then and Now
Accessible housing remains a critical issue. Moira, now renting from the Habinteg housing association, recalls the difficulties of finding suitable accommodation during her university years. “There isn’t enough of it,” she states, highlighting the plight of those trapped in inaccessible high-rise flats. O’Higgins, benefiting from modern schemes like Motability, notes improvements but acknowledges ongoing challenges, such as limited accessible university housing beyond the first year.
“I couldn’t imagine going to university without accessible accommodation,” O’Higgins reflects, appreciating the progress made but recognizing the persistent hurdles.
The Role of Sports and Recreation
Sports have played a transformative role in O’Higgins’ life, offering a sense of community and belonging. As a member of the England universities wheelchair rugby team, he advocates for active participation in sports like basketball and tennis. “Getting out of the chair, you just feel so light,” he says of swimming, a sentiment Moira shares from her own experiences.
Moira recounts the relief swimming provided during her teenage years following leg surgeries, with her sisters helping her float in the sea. Both highlight the importance of recreational activities in enhancing the quality of life for wheelchair users.
Concerns Over Welfare Cuts
The proposed cuts to personal independence payments (Pip) have sparked concern among wheelchair users. O’Higgins describes the arduous process of securing Pip, which took him two years to complete. “I really hope things aren’t starting to go backwards,” he says, worried about the impact on younger individuals who may struggle to access necessary funds for adaptive equipment like sports chairs.
“Over the past five or six years there has been a lot of progress,” O’Higgins notes, emphasizing the importance of continued support for disability benefits.
Looking to the Future
Both Moira and O’Higgins express hope for continued advancements in accessibility and inclusion. O’Higgins envisions a future where online resources make it easier for wheelchair users to find community and engage in sports. Moira, reflecting on the progress since her childhood, remains optimistic about the potential for further improvements in technology and societal attitudes.
As the conversation around disability rights and welfare continues, their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of wheelchair users in navigating a world that is still catching up to their needs.
