Hi you lovely lot,

My first blog so  try to be nice!

I decided a few weeks ago to check out NAIDEX for the first time. Me and my girlfriend are due to move into our own place soon and I thought I  might some ideas as we prepare to live independently.

Anyway, the event was at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. Involved getting up  at 6.30am(too early). Took about an hour and three quarters on the train, the assistance went smoothly.

It took me about 45 minutes to wheel from International station to where NAIDEX is. Why book a disability event in the furthest possible spot?!  Was knackered and slightly annoyed, not the best of starts, still never mind!

Got an unexpected bonus when I met Ade Adepitan almost by accident on my attempt to find a coffee. Got his autograph too!

Right, the first thing to say about NAIDEX is that it is huge. VERY huge. To be honest, its a bit too big. Perhaps a better option would be to split it up in two, one for industry  and one for disabled people. That's jus my view of course, feel free to disagree.

My next observation was that it was a bit confusing as to what was where, even with my constant references to the map. Still, that's not necessarily a bad thing, as it means you get to see things you wouldn't normally see, as a result of getting lost I had an interesting chat about Holiday accommodation in Norfolk and a talk with a charming young lady on kitchen equipment. Got free food too from a meal on wheels type firm, the cheesecake was just *squeaks excitedly*

A diversion to the bathroom brought my next exciting activity-Wheelchair rugby. Once I had got the basics, I found myself crashing into the other players(and yes, that is intended). 45mins of crashing, ramming, ducking fun!  Will now be seriously looking into it as a sport. (Incidentally, why put a laptop right where it is likely to be broken? lol)

Test driving some wheelchairs followed-that was fun as it proved beyond all reasonable doubt that my wheelchair is in fact, awful! I am however, left flabbergasted by he fact you can't pay for a wheelchair monthly!

A chat with the BeSpoken(hence how I ended up on this site) people followed, then I was on my way home. A very good day all in all.

Feedback much appreciated. Opinions are of course, my own.

Be back soon!

Ian