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Comment by Linda Jane McLean on September 9, 2015 at 17:05

Hi, Paul,I tried to respond to your email about the empowerment centre, but it bounced.
basically, the funding that was promised me has been withdrawn, but a volunteer is most welcome to come and see what was done, and get the full story. The house is now on the market.

Comment by bespoken Team on September 1, 2015 at 9:26

Hi Linda,

Yes, definitely! I'll be in touch very soon.

Paul

Comment by Linda Jane McLean on September 1, 2015 at 9:20

Hi, Paul,

Yes that is fine. 

From my point of view, it was a continual nightmare for two years until we had the car back here safely.

The thousands of letters I wrote, the fundraising by friends, the physical effort of getting him to America twice - once to be measured and the second time to ensure that it was correct - was a huge amount of work. And I was the only P.A. that accompanied him.

Anyone who takes this on must be focussed.

Motability do not make it easy.

Although there is now the technology in this country for someone as disabled as Shand to drive, Motability have installed their demonstration equipment in a short wheel base car, which means that no-one with an electric wheelchair can get through the door!! The importance of a long wheel base was emphasised repeatedly in America, where they had been doing it for years. i had never in my life seen such disabled people out driving. One guy spent his life face down in a stretcher like trolley, but he drove!

Obviously, if the technology cannot be reached, most people with severe disabilities will gain the impression that it is impossible, Call me a cynic: but is this a deliberate ploy, or sheer ignorance?

I am at the stage of selling the house here, but have not given up my idea of an Empowerment Centre. Just need the patients - or people who want a different quality of life, and control over their environment.

Meeting with an architect tomorrow. Then I will need to set up a Board. Is this the sort of thing that Bespoken would be interested in?

Linda

Comment by bespoken Team on September 1, 2015 at 8:41

Hi Linda,

I just had a read of Shand's account. Excellent piece in which I think Shand really gets across how vital mobility is to a person's independence and their happiness. Would love to share it on bespoken if that's alright with you.

Paul

Comment by Linda Jane McLean on August 31, 2015 at 16:16

Hi, Paul,

The car was converted by Ahnafield Corporation in Indianapolis. Floor lowered and automatic door entry and ignition by Braun Corporation.

The next best I know of is Norway for provision for severe disabilities. 

Google Shand Sivewright if you want to read his own words about getting there, and getting on the road in "A Fight for Independence"

Linda

Comment by bespoken Team on August 28, 2015 at 11:04

Hi Linda,

Do you remember what the system Shand used to drive was called?

Paul