S5E07 - What is a Wizzybug? - Learning about the importance of independent movement with Lucy Norris

Join us as we meet with Lucy Norris and learn about the Wizzybug.  Find out more about the conversation below, and subscribe for more interesting conversations in care, health, early years and education. We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 24 January. 

 

00:00 Introduction

00:46 Introducing Lucy Norris and Designability

01:18 What is Wizzybug? 

02:46 Age Range for Wizzybug

04:33 Importance of Independent Movement

06:28 Benefits of Wizzybug for Children and Families

08:43 Developmental Milestones and Agency

09:56 Equal Footing with Peers

10:18 Why is Support with Powered Mobility not Widely Available in Early Years?

12:07 Motor Skills and Spatial Awareness

13:32 Story of a Child's Experience with Wizzybug

14:05 Transitioning to Powered Mobility

16:19 Developmental Benefits of Early Mobility

19:38 Loan Scheme and Loan Extension

20:36 Removing Barriers to Applying for support

23:46 Empowerment and Transitioning to Mobility Aids

26:50 Multimodal Mobility and Range of Equipment

28:16 Transitioning to Powered Mobility as an Adult

33:15 How to refer parents to Wizzybug

37:46 Measuring and Setting Up Wizzybugs

42:56 Funding and Support for Wizzybugs

45:22 When Wizzybug is Not Suitable

45:55 Thank You - More Help from CACHE Alumni

 

Summary
Lucy Norris, Partnerships and Engagement Officer for the charity Designability, discusses the Wizzybug, a small powered wheelchair designed for young children with mobility challenges. The Wizzybug enables children to move independently and participate more fully in social activities. In this episode, Lucy and Dawn talk about the importance of independent movement for child development and the benefits of early mobility. Lucy also addresses the current barriers to accessing mobility equipment and talks about the loan scheme provided by Designability.

 

Takeaways

• The Wizzybug is a small powered wheelchair designed for young children with mobility challenges, enabling them to move independently and participate more fully in social activities.
• Independent movement is crucial for child development, unlocking potential in areas such as language skills, spatial awareness, and self-identity.
• The Wizzybug loan scheme provides free access to the equipment, with families borrowing it for as long as their child needs it.

 

Find Wizzybug on the Designability website here;
https://designability.org.uk/assistive-solutions/wizzybug/

Or on their social media pages;
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