Subscribe to our Blog by RSS or Email
Amelia’s Story
by Mark Borland
Amelia is 4 years old and lives in the centre of Exeter. She really loves arts and 
crafts, playing with her friends, horse riding and making people laugh.
In 2007 Amelia was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II. This neuromuscular condition affects people in different ways. Amelia was able to walk on her own until she was 18 months old, when her condition deteriorated and she now needs a wheelchair to move around independently.
In June 2009 Amelia was given her ‘Koala’ Permobil powered wheelchair, through the support of The Priority Trust. As soon as she received the chair, she worked out the controls and just got on with using it. She is now able to move around at home, move toys from room to room and push her doll in its pram.
Amelia goes to nursery several days each week and ‘walks’ there herself and interacts normally with her friends. Her Mum said “we were worried how she would get on at nursery, but she just went straight in and got on with it.” The riser facility allows her to sit at table height with her peers and take part in all activities. Later this year she’ll start full-time school and can’t wait! The ‘Koala’ will significantly improve her life experiences at this crucial developmental stage.
Her Mum adds “With her ‘Koala’ Amelia can play with her friends, choose where she wants to go and scare her parents by driving too quickly! The riser facility means that she can press the button at the pedestrian crossing, choose food in the supermarket and reach her toys.”
- Share:
