Tuesday 1 December 2009

What comes with mobility...

We recently had a trial of a power-wheelchair for Princess. Her last trial was eleven months ago. Sigh. These things move slowly (the trialling, not the chairs!).

In that eleven months, however, Princess' confidence has grown enormously, something I think we can largely thank her fabulous year at school for. This time, driving the power-wheelchair she was suddenly braver, more daring and more able. It was awesome to watch. The smile couldn't be wiped off her face (well, except for the one time she crashed hard into the wall, but that's another story). (She's fine now).

One other thing we learned is that Princess isn't always going to be the polite, demure little girl she usually presents as. We had her practising her skills in the power-chair in some open space near our house. We happened upon one of her teachers, who eagerly watched Princess independently maneuvering herself all over the place.

As Teacher and I were chatting, Princess hurtled towards us, stopping perfectly in time as we lavished praise upon her. Then, just as Teacher bent down to her to continue lavishing praise, Princess looked at us cheekily and started doing tight donuts in front of us. Round and round she went, with me requesting that she stop and make eye contact while Teacher was speaking to her...but no. Round and round, giggling as she went.

Hurrah - she's obnoxious too! Go Princess!

6 comments:

Carol said...

ah the freedom of mobility!

Jacqui said...

Princess looks great. She looks like a big grade 1 and not a baby preppie. What chair is it?

what_the_heck_of_that? said...

Hi Jacqui, the chair was a Zippee Zbop base with a Mygo seating system. She's used a wand switch and a button switch to steer it (so only two directions so far, forward and left. Will add a right button next time!). The Zippee seemed ok in terms of handling and I think the mid-wheel drive is good, but the seating system was not the right one for P. Hopefully next time she will trial in a more suitable seat too.

Hi Carol, thanks for commenting. I've had a quick look at your own blog - extraordinary! You have a big heart.

Liz

Michelle said...

Hi Liz

Wonderful! Wouldn't it be great to see Princess run over (and maybe reverse backwards and forwards over a few times?) those who annoy her and don't give her the personal space she deserves?

Better think about buying a Sumo suit to protect my girl from tyre marks :)

M

Smithsholidayroad said...

Oh Priness we are so happy for you especially being such a typical school aged kid with attitude and speed! way to go! Bron and Coops xo

Katy said...

wonderful! I relish it when my child has the opportunity to act like every other child--even if it's a little embarassing!