THE WHEELCHAIR SKILLS COLLEGE Pete Donnelly has been using a wheelchair for 16 years. Here he tells us about his experience with wheelchair skills and what motivated him to start up The Wheelchair Skills College.
The videos use a natural progression system that allows people to push themselves at a comfortable rate and builds their confidence and independence while doing it. I’ve already received a lot of positive feedback since launching my channel. People have told me that they have got so much from seeing skills that they didn’t know about before. The bite size format has got great feedback. Most videos are less than two minutes long.
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don’t remember the accident itself. I think that’s a defence mechanism of the body to block out the trauma. What I do know is that when I woke up, life was in contrast to what it had been a week earlier.
A motorbike accident at 19 years old had caused a shopping list of injuries. The most significant of my injuries was the break in my back that damaged my spinal cord causing paralysis from chest level down and thrusting me into a life I knew nothing about and cared little to know about before this point. Having the skills to use any piece of equipment is essential to make sure that you can use it effectively. Having the skills to use a wheelchair is no different. It takes time, patience and dedication. It was only through wheelchair skills training that I got an insight into what could really be achieved using a wheelchair. It was brilliant. No one can teach you as well as someone who has already walked, or rolled, that path.
Although there are more than a million wheelchair users across the UK, training in how to effectively use a wheelchair isn’t offered Ensuring that they have the skills to use the equipment is critical.
Wheelchair skills have made such a difference in my life. Everything that I have achieved has been built on a foundation of being able to confidently use my wheelchair.
I’ve always taught wheelchair skills in person. I believe that is by far the best way to do it. The reality is that developing that kind of offer will take years and people need access to these skills now.
I founded The Wheelchair Skills College with the vision of ensuring that every wheelchair user has access to these vital skills. Although there are more than a million wheelchair users across the UK, training in how to effectively use a wheelchair isn’t offered. Giving someone a wheelchair is only the start of supporting someone with mobility issues.
I decided to set up YouTube and TikTok channels to get wheelchair skills out to more people. There are nearly 30 videos showing a range of skills across four difficulty levels; beginner, intermediate, advance and expert. From pushing techniques and carrying a coffee, to going up and downstairs, there is something for everyone.
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The videos that are online are the core set of wheelchair skills. We’re only scratching the surface. Over the next year, I will be listening to what people want to see and creating more content.
There are nearly 30 videos showing a range of skills across four difficulty levels