How independent would you be if your were deaf, blind and had severe back problems?
If you were Emma Robinson the answer would be ‘very’.
And Emma, 41, from Newsome, has gained even more independence after passing her mobility scooter test.
Emma, who lost her sight and hearing 11 years ago, can now do her shopping and meet friends with the help of her Shopmobility scooter and her trusty guide dog, Erin.
She completed 15 manoeuvres – including turning, reversing, using a pedestrian crossing and performing an emergency stop – to pass the test for mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
This followed training by local Age UK Shopmobility manager Gary Varley.
Emma, who also has severe back problems affecting her mobility, said: “It is great to have passed my test.
“It gave me a real sense of achievement and allows me to get out and about and be independent, which is what I want.”
Judith Churley, of Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees, said: “Emma is an example to us all – she is always upbeat, cheerful and a real glass half-full person.
“With the assistance of her lovely companion guide dog, Erin, she will not let anyone tell her that she can’t do it.
“Despite all her difficulties she is proving to everyone that she can be independent and is able to get out and about in her local areas to continue her shopping, running errands and visiting friends.
“Emma loves the freedom that she has gained by passing her Mobility Scooter driving assessment. It helps her achieve her personal goals of staying independent and improving her quality of life.”
Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees hires mobility scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs and ramps at subsidised rates from its centres in Huddersfield and Halifax.
The vehicles are available to hire for a few hours for shopping and errands – or for longer to go on holiday or for recuperation.
For more information call Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees Shopmobility Service: 01484 535 994 or visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/calderdaleandkirklees .
