manual wheelchair assesment

JAXIE wrote:

Do you really need an assessment for a wheelchair?

My doctor ordered me one when he realised I needed one, and it was delivered with no problem. I can't propell it myself as a member of my family comes out with me, but it allows me to get out and about outside.

Hi J,

I think that you may have misinterpreted the OP's original query, as indeed I did myself

The OP feels that they cannot operate a manual wheelchair unaided due to other medical problems, therefore a report stating this as a result of a "Wheelchair Assessment" would help to prove this, and therefore help to prove that the OP fulfills the criteria of The Mobilising Descriptor of the ESA Regs.

This includes the use of a manual wheelchair unaided, as well as walking.

bro58

Sorry, as I started the thread I thought it was reffering to me.
I think there are two interpretations going on with this question. I t is probably my fault for not explaining myself peoperly in the first instance.

Fizgog1 wrote:

Hi I wasn't expecting a GP or HCP to pay for it. I can just remember reading somewhere where someone was put in to WRAG and I think she sought "independent medical advice" to say that she couldn't possibly use a manual wheelchair, which she did and was then put in the support group.

So, really written supporting evidence to back up claim.

Hi Fg1,

It is entirely possible that you could be put forward for a "wheelchair assessment" especially if you need one.

However, I do not think that you would be put forward for such an assessment for the specific reason of obtaining evidence that you qualify under the Mobilising Descriptor of ESA.

You may well need such an assessment though, to rule out the possible use of a manually operated wheelchair, so that an other form of wheelchair/scooter could be recommended.

Remember mobilising in a wheelchair pushed by another person, (AIDED), or in a motorised wheelchair, or on a motorised scooter or other such piece of equipment, can not be counted as "Mobilising".

bro58

Woops, I am really confused now as I thought the descriptor for mobilising included an "imaginary wheelchair" which was only manual.

Count me among the people who are confused!

There are two reasons for having a wheelchair assssment.

Firstly - one is in need of a wheelchair. A NHS assessment will ascertain whether a wheelchair is appropriate and supply one to suit the patient's needs.

A wheelchair assessment for a DWP might need to be undertaken privately. The purpose of this would be to prove that the claimant could not self-propell a manual wheelchair and therefore scores maximum points on the mobilising desriptor if they are also unable to walk 50 meters.

Has this clarified the matter??

Fizgog1 wrote:

Woops, I am really confused now as I thought the descriptor for mobilising included an "imaginary wheelchair" which was only manual.

Hi Fg1,

You are indeed correct regarding the "Imaginary Wheelchair" issue, and it does only include the use of a manual wheelchair "UNAIDED".

This pertains to the fact that the assessing ATOS HCP "Assumes" that you could in fact use a manual wheelchair "UNAIDED" even if you do not normally use one, or have never used one, as your perceived limitations as a result of your medical conditions do not rule this out.

In other words the ATOS HCP feels that it would be reasonable to assume that you could use a manual wheelchair unaided.

bro58