Don’t dis’ my ability at the ‘Wheels for a Day’ wheelie amazing RACE challenge
Instead of putting yourself in someone’s shoes for a day, Hunter New England Health, Paraquad NSW and Wheeling & Able are asking you to try on someone’s wheels for a change.
As part of Spinal Injuries Awareness Week, ParaQuad NSW, Wheeling & Able and HNE Health Spinal Cord Injury Service will host the ‘Wheelie Amazing Race’ wheelchair challenge.
‘Wheels for a Day’ responds to the large and growing population of people with a spinal cord injury in the Hunter region. Australia-wide, about 10,000 people are currently living with a spinal cord injury, with nearly 400 new injuries reported each year.
“Last year’s event was a huge success, so we are really looking forward to holding it again,” HNE Health’s Spinal Cord Injury Service Manager Kylie Jones said.
Ms Jones said the aim of the day is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by wheelchair users.
“After a spinal cord injury the simplest things we take for granted such as the ability to move, eat and wash independently can become lengthy and cumbersome tasks, sometimes requiring the assistance of a loved one or a care worker,” Kylie said.
“Although the event only showcases a couple of hours in the life of someone who uses a wheelchair fulltime, it aims to help people recognise the resilience of people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities, who overcome barriers on a day to day basis.
“We are pleased that lots of local organisations, as well as Aaron Kearney from ABC Radio Newcastle, have agreed to participate in the event and demonstrate their support of people with spinal cord injuries.”
‘Wheels for a Day’ is a registered event of International Day of People with a Disability and the Don't DISmyABILITY campaign. ParaQuad NSW is a not-for-profit member-based association striving to support people with spinal cord injury to achieve their choices in life. ParaQuad is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. For more information visit www.paraquad.org.au. Wheeling & Able is a registered charity and not for profit organisation providing assistance to more than 400 young people with physical disabilities. For more information visit www.wheelingandable.org.au
The ‘Wheels for a Day’ initiative will be held on Friday 11 November commencing at 10.30am at Newcastle’s Wheeler Place.
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4801