Liz Hawksford and Margaret Scott both parents of children with physical disabilities, had spent a number of years highlighting the poor resourcing of services, facilities, support and equipment provision for children and young people with physical disabilities, especially in the areas of health, respite care and recreational opportunities. Their campaigning centred on improving wheelchair provision and services, as wheelchairs are fundamental to the quality of life and well being of children and young people with physical disabilities. This led to the first part of their campaign investigating the level and quality of wheelchair provision throughout Scotland.
In June 1998, they carried out a national survey on paediatric wheelchair provision in Scotland. The survey highlighted that there were many more common issues being faced by children and families. From these results, they knew that they had to extend the process and consult with and hear the views of young wheelchair users themselves.
How were they going to include this traditionally marginalised group whose views had never been sought and involve them in the process of effecting change? This was accomplished by organising a two-day event, in a safe, secure and comfortable environment using the medium of play. The planning, organisation and support could not have been possible without the assistance and commitment of ‘like minded’ people; professionals and parents working in partnership with a shared philosophy. These organised fun days included a consultation process, which provided children and young people with the opportunity to express their own views and opinions. They discussed not only their views on wheelchair provision but also other aspects of their lives, including play opportunities and inclusion.
The process was recorded and this formed the basis of the Playback DVD – Looking through Disability. This provided the foundations upon which Playback operates: taking on board the views expressed by this group and disseminating it to policy makers, and service providers in the hope that it will influence societal change.
