Through feature-length oral history interviews, some of the wheelchair users we have supported since 1990 have shared with us what life has been like for them as a wheelchair user in the UK.
In the three decades since Whizz-Kidz was founded, there has been significant change in disability policy, legislation and wheelchair services. For example, the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act came into force and in 1991, NHS Wheelchair Services were devolved to 151 local health authorities affecting levels of service for wheelchair users.
We wanted to reflect how these changes were experienced in the day to day lives of 30 wheelchair users through biographical interviews and striking portraits. How far have we come? What will the next 30 years look like? A number of high profile wheelchair users are interviewed to explain how, when and why changes in policy, legislation and our own clinical services were implemented.
These stories will be archived as part of the British Library Sounds Archive and will ensure that the daily life experiences of wheelchair users today are captured forever. This is an ongoing project so look out for more stories as we record them. We hope you enjoy listening.
