The Physical Difficulties team run a range of regular events throughout the year to give young people with physical difficulties the opportunity to meet together and develop skills in a fun environment. Many friendships and shared experiences have been developed alongside learning skills in using a wheelchair; playing a range of instruments and playing tennis, basketball, football and Boccia.
Sound Avenues Inclusive Music
Sound Avenues is a collaborative project between Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs and our team. Its purpose is to provide ensemble playing opportunities and support with playing and learning a musical instrument to children with Physical Difficulties who are in mainstream education. 2023/24 saw successful pilot workshops in Exeter and Barnstaple, and this year, the project has developed into a regular ongoing ensemble opportunity.
Super Sports Day
A group of children attended a busy sports day at St James School in collaboration with Active Devon. They tried a range of inclusive sports. Comments from the children included “ I loved playing wheelchair basketball, the chairs are so light and fast”; “I loved meeting other children who hadn’t played wheelchair tennis before, I was amazed I could hit the ball easily”; “I want to join Exeter Otters wheelchair basketball team now!”; “I hadn’t played Boccia before, but I want to watch it with my family at the Paralympics”.
We already have our next inclusive sports day planned!
Whizz Kidz Wheelchair Skills
The team work closely with the charity Whizz Kidz | Children’s Wheelchair Charity | Whizz Kidz to ensure all children have access to the right wheelchair and have the skills and confidence to develop their independence. We run sessions for children who are full time and partial wheelchair users; who use manual and powered wheelchairs. The sessions are always lots of fun, and a chance to make new friends.
Skills learned include:
- Driving/pushing forwards and backwards
- Stopping and parking safely
- Safe use of seatbelts and brakes
- Reversing
- Moving at increased speed
- Playing games to develop skills
