How to use the skills guides

The skills guides are based on our wheelchair skill training courses. The content has been checked by qualified professionals to ensure they are accurate. We’ve tried to make them simple to follow and fun to complete.

We recommend working through the skills in order as they increase in complexity. Some of the exercises can be physically demanding. 

If you’re planning on working through the skills training exercises, here are some things to do and not to do:

Things to do

• Find somewhere safe to do these exercises, away from any obstacles or obstructions.
• Read and understand everything in the guides before you start moving.
• Each guide builds on the last one, so start from the beginning and build your skills.
• Go slowly and stay within your physical limits.
• Take regular breaks.
• Doing these exercises with a friend is safer and can make them more fun!

Things not to do

• Don’t ever push yourself beyond your limits.
• Don’t try to do too much, too soon.
• Some of these exercises, like climbing kerbs and backwheel balance can put you at risk of tipping over. Don’t ever try these alone.  
• Only use these skills in the real world when you’ve mastered them.

How to book a wheelchair skills training course

The skills guides contained on the site all form part of our Wheelchair Skills training programme. You can learn more about the programme, including how you can take part here.