A wheelchair is not just equipment - it is my independence - By Mole, Client Ambassador at PA Services For You

RachelG
Dec 4, 2025
2 min read

I use a power chair that’s specifically designed for my needs. Like any piece of equipment, it sometimes breaks or needs repairs. When that happens, I rely on my manual wheelchair — also individually fitted — so I can carry on with my life with dignity, choice and independence.

Without that manual chair, I don’t just lose mobility.

I lose access to my world.

I can be left unable to get out of bed, unable to leave my home, and unable to take part in the community I’m proud to be part of. Recently, my manual wheelchair was taken away by the local wheelchair service for repairs.

Weeks later, I was told it would not be returned and that it wouldn’t be replaced - because they believed I “did not need it”.

This decision was made without an assessment.

Without asking me.

Without considering the impact on my day-to-day life.

And without recognising that I am the expert in my own needs.

Moments like this matter and without the right equipment, they become almost impossible.

Why this matters

For many people, being able to move freely is something that’s easy to take for granted. For me, and for so many other young adults with complex needs, mobility is a lifeline.

It’s the difference between:

Engaging with my community or being isolated
Attending healthcare appointments or missing essential support
Enjoying my daily routine or losing all autonomy
Living a full life or feeling confined and dependent

A manual wheelchair isn’t a luxury.

It’s a safeguard.

It protects my independence, my dignity, my safety - especially when my power chair suddenly stops working, which can happen without warning and leave me stuck for days.

The system works best when people are listened to

I work with brilliant NHS and community professionals all the time, and I know how much pressure services are under. This isn’t about blaming individuals.

It’s about highlighting a wider issue:

Decisions being made about people like me, rather than with us
Essential equipment being removed without proper assessment
Processes that value criteria over lived experience
A lack of co-production, leaving people without what they genuinely need

When equipment is taken away, it’s not just paperwork.

It has real human consequences.

My commitment, and PA Services For You’s commitment

As Client Ambassador, I use my voice to make sure young adults like me are heard. My message is simple:

Independence matters.
The right equipment matters.
Decisions must involve the person whose life is affected.

PA Services For You have stood by me and they stand by every young adult they support - whenever our independence, dignity or voice is at risk. They believe, as I do, in true co-production, ethical decision-making and person-centred support.