Becky, now 21, says that being supported by Out & About increased her confidence:
“Hi, my name is Becky I am nearly 21years old and I have cerebral palsy. This means that I use an electric wheelchair to get about. My condition affects all my limbs, making them stiff and hard to keep under control! It also affects my vision in that I cannot distinguish between different depths and can make driving my chair, in some places, a bit erratic!
Having cerebral palsy means that I need quite a lot of help and support to do everyday things. When I was younger I found it difficult to go places on my own without my mum with me. I was shy, had no confidence and wanted to stay in familiar places. However, when I was about 11, another parent told us about Out & About and how much fun their child had with them. This began my independent social life!
Initially, I went with Out & About with a group of other children once a fortnight. We had fun times at the cinema, bowling, days out and restaurants. As I got a little older, I then began to meet up with another girl, of a similar age, in town – to SHOP!Two volunteers were provided by Out & About, to go with us. The volunteers helped us to find the safest routes around town for wheelchair users, understand the handling of money and gave us the confidence to speak up for ourselves in shops. If we got stuck, we knew they were there to step in and help sort out any problems.
I then progressed to getting into town by local transport. At first the volunteer met me at my house and we travelled together into town. However, I soon progressed to travelling on the bus by myself and they met me at the bus stop in town. As my confidence grew, I was then able to meet the volunteer outside a shop in town, getting off the bus and travelling some distance alone – Freedom!
Out & About took each stage at whatever speed I felt comfortable with, which means I am now confident in my ability to cope with new situations. Even now, when faced with new dilemmas, I break it down into stages and make sure I am confident before moving onto the next stage. I am much more a ‘people person’ now, finding it easier to express what I want or need and stick up for myself if necessary!
I am now about to begin my third year at university, studying for an English Literature degree. I live away from home during term time – an unthinkable transition 4 years ago! (for me and my family!!) Yes, I still need support and have a 24hour carer, but they work for me! I have to organise everything in my life, from what time to get up, what to eat, maintenance of my room and wheelchair, to which weekend to visit my family.
My family and friends are the most important things in my life. Being able to be ‘confidently independent’ is paramount for my future. I want to have a good job, live independently and eventually have a family of my own – perfectly normal!”
Becky's Mum, Ruth, says Out & About made a huge difference to her family:
“Having a child with a disability means your whole outlook on life changes. You take immense pleasure in tiny milestones that other parents probably don’t even notice and your protective instincts really come to the fore as you fight to get all the help and support from the authorities that your child needs and deserves.
So, finding Out & About was like finding an oasis in the desert! From the initial interview we knew that they were offering just what we all needed at that time. For the first time our daughter could go out without us! It was nerve racking for all, but we knew that the volunteers provided by Out & About were experienced and understood her needs. As she went to a mainstream school, she had the chance to mix and learn from other disabled children. They enabled her to go out in a group, with a friend or on her own, accessing some mainstream activities, such as a local archery club. During her time with Out & About, she gained in confidence and became increasingly independent. The gradual ‘stages’ Out & About set for her, also worked for us. They gave us time to accept she could manage, with the right support, without us!
As parents, we all want our children to develop into confident, independent adults, but with a disabled child there is always a question mark over whether that will ever happen. Our daughter is now living away at university and is turning into a confident, independent young woman, of whom we are extremely proud. Out & About has had a part to play in that."
