wheelchair assessment

Hi All

I've just been reading query about wheelchair assessments on a different thread, and hope my experience will be of some use.

I have been gathering evidence for ESA appeal as I believe I qualify for support group.

I have a wheelchair, provided by NHS whhelchair service 5 years ago. I have never been able to use it unaccompanied, as I do not have upper body strength to self propel, or to be able to lift it into the car boot.

I was worried that DM would look at the fact that I have had the wheelchair so long as proof that I could mobilise the required 50 metres. Then I remembered that I my GP originally requested a power chair when I was referred, but the cash strapped NHS only provided these to people who are not able to walk at all, and only if their home is adapted for wheelchair use. Not many then I guess.

I asked for a copy of my original reaferral form, which asked for power chair, and also went to Shopmobility, from whom I have regularly hired power chairs and scooters. They provided copies of all the details of times and dates I had borrowed from them. I'm hoping this will prove to be evidence of my being unable to mobilise 50metres independently.

Good luck

PC

As I undersand it, only the ability to self-propell the wheelchair will be assessed, not the ability to lift a wheelchair.

I am sure one of the other mods will correct me if I am wrong.