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Electric wheelchair & ESA mobility descriptor

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11 years 9 months ago - 11 years 9 months ago #87746 by canttrusthesystem
Electric wheelchair & ESA mobility descriptor was created by canttrusthesystem
Hello,

I am currently on IB, expecting soon to be transferred to ESA. I have mobility problems such that at the moment I should meet the ESA mobility requirements to get 15 points for the mobility question on the ESA form (meeting the requirements for difficulties with distances, cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair etc), subject of course to the vagaries of medical assessors and decision-makers.

However, I also have the possibility of perhaps acquiring an electric wheelchair from the NHS, but am genuinely terrified, particularly being a single person 1 income household with a complex long-term health condition, that this could result in me losing my points on the mobility descriptor.(I have had 'run ins' with the DWP before and, without boring you with the details, know I cannot trust them to necessarily treat people justly).

Does anyone know the answer to this -would getting an electric wheelchair lose me the mobility points for ESA?Thank you.
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by Gordon.

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11 years 9 months ago #87749 by Gordon
C

The legislation that defines the ESA descriptors references a manual wheelchair so an electric one should have no effect on the points you should score for the mobilising test.

Gordon

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  • canttrusthesystem
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11 years 9 months ago - 11 years 9 months ago #87780 by canttrusthesystem
Replied by canttrusthesystem on topic Re:Electric wheelchair & ESA mobility descriptor
Hello Gordon,

Thank you for your response. You were very quick!

That's one way I read it, too, but since the question also says '...or other aid if such aid can reasonably be used' it's niggling me that the DWP could interpret the electric wheelchair as being an 'other aid' and it 'curing' all the mobility problems, and someone else has recently posted on here about 'losing all mobility points' because he had an electric scooter. Although, in fact, due to issues with fatigue, changes in states of consciousness, not being able to get it in and out of car etc. I would need to be accompanied while using an electric wheelchair, if I was able to get one (I live in a rural area so it would have to be transported everywhere by car and I have little energy to get out anyway). I really am very concerned about this decision - my previous experience of being subject to a medical assessment has left me, 2.5 years on, generally an anxious (changed and medicated) person, and knowing how flawed and punitive the system is.

I wonder if there are any users of electric wheelchairs, or those who know of any, reading this who may also be able to give any feedback based on experience or knowledge of this assessment?

Thank you again.

Kind regards.
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by Gordon.

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11 years 9 months ago #87787 by Gordon
C

I understand your concern but a couple of points

The person you referenced never explained their comment.

The aids included in the descriptor are walking sticks, crutches, etc., I don't think even the DWP could justify a refusal because someone was able to move a joystick for an electric chair with one finger :)

Gordon

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11 years 9 months ago - 11 years 9 months ago #87793 by chrissy v
Replied by chrissy v on topic Re:Electric wheelchair & ESA mobility descriptor
Hi i agree with Gordon there,s nothing in the descriptor, that mentions an electric wheelchair.

CV
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by Gordon.

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11 years 9 months ago - 11 years 9 months ago #87794 by canttrusthesystem
Replied by canttrusthesystem on topic Re:Electric wheelchair & ESA mobility descriptor
Gordon,

You made me laugh out loud! - I appreciated that!

Nevertheless, the one finger movement would mean I could inarguably get around better than without the chair. Fantastic without the DWP breathing down your neck. And they don't even bother trying to justify themselves, in my experience, they just don't address the awkward points raised. But I do have potentially good arguments based on other aspects of my condition - like severe overall pain and fatigue, needing to be accompanied, without points in the other descriptors which I won't bore you with. However, whether they would stand up, or get knocked down with something chucked at them which I just didn't see coming...Having experienced bare-faced lying in the face of hard evidence it's very hard to have any confidence.

If anyone else has anything to add to the electric wheelchair assessment point too, I would be most glad to hear it.

Thanks.
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by slugsta.

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