Mobile Disco Wheelchair

lekysmobiledisco
lekysmobiledisco Community member Posts: 4 Connected
edited October 2021 in Everyday life
You may have seen Lee in the news recently, he turned his power wheelchair into a mobile disco and has hit the headlines with his amazing party chair. Today he tells us about his experience.

I have cerebral palsy and being a wheelchair user I got tired of people staring at me and so I decided to transform my power wheelchair into a mobile disco to give them something to stare at! Going out and about in Manchester with flashing lights and a boombox attached to me means I have gained a lot of attention from members of the public but I am happy to say that it has been positive.

Through my life I’ve had a lot of prejudice against me, people not treating me like a human being and only seeing my disability. I hope to raise awareness that disabled people still have a individual personality and like to have fun like everyone else.


My condition affects my speech as well as muscle control. This means I move differently to other people and suffer uncontrollable sporadic movements. Despite what some people assume my mental capacity is entirely intact. I still have all the same needs and desires as everybody else.

Generally the negativity comes in people staring as I pass but what gives me more trouble is when people infantilise me due to my difficulty speaking. Often speaking down to me or ignoring me by talking to my assistants rather than me.

The main point I want to put across really is don't let society dictate on how you live your life, be proud of who you are. If people are that ignorant to stare then use their ignorance to your advantage, make them see you in a different way.

I had just got tired of people staring at me, so figured I’d do something to give them a positive reason to stare.


I also did it to hopefully inspire younger people with disabilities and have confidence issues, to help them feel live their life their way without feeling shy, it's a great icebreaker to start a conversation.

The best thing is that the chair seems to break down the initial barriers to beginning a conversation. People can feel uncomfortable to approach me and make a judgement based purely on my Cerebral Palsy, the disco chair make people look at me in a different light and feel easier about coming to chat. Music brings people together, and I hope my chair will help people think about disabled people in a different light.


What do you think of Lee's chair? Do you find people treat you differently because of your impairment? How do you think we can change people's perceptions of disability? 

Comments

  • Liam_Alumni
    Liam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,088 Empowering
    What an amazing idea, @lekysmobiledisco - thanks so much for sharing your story with us!

    Do you have any favourite songs, artists or bands you like to play whilst on the move? :)
  • mossycow
    mossycow Scope Member Posts: 486 Pioneering
    So jeeeeealous! Nicely done! Just got my wheelchair back from the fixing guys... Should have asked them for more pimping of my ride... 
  • lekysmobiledisco
    lekysmobiledisco Community member Posts: 4 Connected
    Thanks, Well I'll be glad to help anyone who is interested converting theirs 
  • lekysmobiledisco
    lekysmobiledisco Community member Posts: 4 Connected
    I mainly play what's in the charts but have been known to take requests from people 
  • Liam_Alumni
    Liam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,088 Empowering
    Sounds great, @lekysmobiledisco - nothing like a good mix of chart music!
  • Adam_84
    Adam_84 Community member Posts: 1 Listener
    That's brilliant, I live in Manchester too so I'll listen out for you & say h☺️
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,605 Championing
    Some great responses on Twitter:


  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,605 Championing
    edited July 2017
    Fionna on facebook said

    "Good on ya Lee. People gawp at my son...he doesn't use a wheelchair all the time..but walks a bit strangely...plus he's 16 but has to hold my hand...I say to people don't worry it's not catching when I catch them having a sneaky look ."


  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,605 Championing
    @mossycow said on facebook:

    "I use a wheelchair and I found some people saw it as a negative thing, almost like the wheelchair defined the ability /disability. Ive always seen it as something that helps me move more, is less painful etc so LOVE my chair. I do get people who stair and I totally empathise with the being treated like a kid thing... I just smile and assume they are jealous of my awesome chariot.....
    So I think your disco chair is impressive to others and makes chairs feel cool and like any other tech rather than something sad and hospitally if that makes sense. Nice one"
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,605 Championing

  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,605 Championing
    @lekysmobiledisco You are giving twitter the #FridayFeeling :)


  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,605 Championing
    NHS England have shared this @lekysmobiledisco :)


  • basiclee08
    basiclee08 Community member Posts: 61 Contributor
    I think It's Great. And making It Public's Issue Were It rightly Belongs. well done Lee. From Lee :):):)
  • Andreasuperstar
    Andreasuperstar Community member Posts: 13 Connected
    This is what you call ''owning it'' B)  You are amazing and I'm sure you brighten up many people's days and nights out.  You certainly have my respect and admiration.  Now turn the volume up and get back out there !
  • cocoaandmilo
    cocoaandmilo Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    Well done! That's fantastic and sends out a great message. See the person and not the wheelchair. Good luck!
  • barbie
    barbie Community member Posts: 3 Listener
    Well done lee, I am in a wheelchair and put some fake roses,ok my daughter did it for me, and the comments and conversations are lovely. Almost as if people are scared to open a conversation with a wheelchair user but no longer 
  • SethLaa
    SethLaa Community member Posts: 110 Contributor
    what an amazing and awesome guy,i have been wanting to do up my mobility scooter in ex-regimental colours and stickers.Lee,my friend,you may have just given me the interest to '''get on with it''' cheers pal

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