Ask the Experts

Help! I can't tolerate electricity

Q I'm very severely disabled (bed- bound) with a chronic illness and totally reliant on a power chair to get to the bathroom and remain independent.

Because of my illness I've also developed electrical hypersensitivity (EHS: please see the website es-uk.info for more details) and my power chair now makes me even more ill. I'm too weak to self propel a manual chair. I need desperately either a wheelchair that can be easily manoeuvred with very little strength by some kind of lever device or a wheelchair powered by something other than electricity. Any ideas? Or could you or someone you know design or adapt a manual chair so it fulfils my needs?
Sarah Wheeler, stage manager

Agnes Fletcher says: Sufferers from EHS can find it hard to get a sympathetic hearing in the UK. Doctors here often see it is as a psychological condition. In Sweden, by contrast, EHS is officially recognised as a functional impairment.

For those who know little about it, imagine not being able to use a mobile phone, computer, microwave or any other modern essentials, or to tolerate therapies and medical equipment in which electricity is integral. There's a useful summary of how this impairment is currently viewed in Sweden on the es-uk.info website. That website also lists products and services but nothing along the lines you suggest.

I suggest you get a proper assessment of your needs from social services, and specifically from an occupational therapist. The point is that, whether or not a non-electrical chair exists or could be created, you might gain from personal assistance with getting up, washing, using the bathroom and preparing food. Also, a review could assess whether you are claiming all the benefits to which you are entitled. (Depending on your circumstances, it might cost you, though.)

I'm afraid of the outside world

Q I am 26 years old and have a learning disability. I feel scared going out on my own. Does anyone have any advice?
Name supplied, by email

Simon Parritt writes: Being scared in the outside world is understandable when you read about all the bad things that can happen. Disabled and vulnerable people can be picked on and bullied. Fortunately, however, although such incidents are serious, they are very unusual. Most people never experience such terrible things.

I wonder if, like many disabled younger people, you're not used to going out on your own. Perhaps, when you go to the shops, meet friends or travel on the buses, you're usually accompanied by a carer or close relative. If so, you'll need time to learn how to feel safe and independent.

Try to find someone to help you with those first steps. Plan a place you'd like to go. A friend you trust can go with you part of the way and then you can go the rest of the way by yourself while your friend waits close by. Also, use a mobile phone, so that if you feel anxious you can call your friend and talk to them: that will reassure you.

Go on short trips first. That way, before your anxiety gets too much, you can go back home so you never get too anxious. Try going down the road and back. When you feel OK, extend it: make a trip to a shop nearby and then come back. Reward yourself and buy yourself a small treat.

Have you become isolated and socially excluded? If so, you could join a club like Stars in the Sky, which is a friend­ship and dating service for people with learning difficulties. Find others whom you can meet and share your feelings and fears with (see starsinthesky.co.uk).

Finally, if you're really fearful and need more professional help, speak to your GP, who can refer you to a psychologist who specialises in these kinds of problems.

Many people find themselves in this situation; it's not by any means confined to people with a learning disability. I hope that's some comfort.

I want to scoot off somewhere

Q I need to use a mobility scooter and I'm currently considering holiday options. What is the likelihood of being able to hire a scooter at one of the popular holiday destinations in, say, Spain, Italy or France?
John McFee, by email

Andy Wright replies: There is an ever-increasing number of mobility rental shops abroad in lots of the most popular holiday destinations, many run by expatriates, that offer scooter and wheelchair rental, as well as a variety of mobility aids to assist you while on holiday. The best advice is to book your travel arrangements with a disability holiday specialist, who would be happy to make all the arrangements for equipment rental locally, on your behalf.

Experts

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Psychologist with psychosexual therapy experience

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DOUGLAS JOY
Senior solicitor at the Disability Law Service

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Technology and Internet
LEONIE WATSON
Works with digital consultancy Nomensa

Specialist Equipment
JOHN MANDRAK
Disability journalist and DLF helpline adviser

Travel
ANDY WRIGHT
MD of Accessible Travel, specialist tour operator

Money Management
DAVID CLARKE
Senior partner with Clydesdale Bank

Access and Environment
AGNES FLETCHER
Disability trainer and consultant

Property
KATE SHEEHAN
Occupational therapist with interest in housing

Motoring and Transport
HELEN DOLPHIN
Works with Mobilise and specialises in car matters