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Local Offer

Designability's Wizzybug Loan Scheme

Wizzybug is a fun, innovative powered wheelchair provided FREE of charge to young children in the UK by Designability a charity based in Bath.

Wizzybug is designed for physically disabled children. This includes children living with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy, as well as children with amputations or other conditions that affect their ability to walk.

Wizzybug is intended for pre-school children of minimum age 14 months and a maximum weight of 20 kg.

Wizzybug is an electrically powered wheelchair for indoor and outdoor use, with adult supervision.  Children use Wizzybugs at home and at pre-school, and in outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens and playgrounds.

Wizzybug can be used every day or just occasionally, but is not intended to be used all day, every day.  Through the loan scheme a child can have a Wizzybug for as long as it is suitable for them (usually until they outgrow it) when it is returned to Designability to be refurbished ready for another child to enjoy.

Families can apply for a Wizzybug direct via the application on the website here

Alternatively, please email wizzybug@designability.org.uk

Families on low-income who may need support with the cost of attending their Wizzybug appointment at our clinic in Bath can apply to our Access Fund for assistance.

Contact number: 01225 824103

Who to contact

Contact Name
Wizzybug Loan Scheme Team
Contact Position
Wizzybug Loan Scheme Administrator
Telephone
01225 824103 01225 824103
E-mail
wizzybug@designability.org.uk
Website
Designability's Wizzybug website
Scan to visit this website
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DesignabilityUK
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DesignabilityUK

Where to go

Name
Wolfson Centre, Department D1
Address
Royal United Hospital
Bath
Avon
Postcode

BA1 3NG

View BA1 3NG on a map

Costs

Details
The Wizzybug is Free for families. All we ask is that it is returned to us at the end of the loan. Families on low-income who may need support with the cost of attending their Wizzybug appointment at our clinic in Bath can apply to our Access Fund for assistance.

Availability

Referral not required
Referral Details

Families can apply for a Wizzybug direct via the application on the website here

Alternatively, please email wizzybug@designability.org.uk

Local Offer

Description

Wizzybug is a fun, innovative powered wheelchair provided FREE of charge to young children in the UK by Designability a charity based in Bath.

Wizzybug is designed for physically disabled children. This includes children living with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy, as well as children with amputations or other conditions that affect their ability to walk.

Wizzybug is intended for pre-school children of minimum age 14 months and a maximum weight of 20 kg.

Wizzybug is an electrically powered wheelchair for indoor and outdoor use, with adult supervision.  Children use Wizzybugs at home and at pre-school, and in outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens and playgrounds.

Wizzybug can be used every day or just occasionally, but is not intended to be used all day, every day.  Through the loan scheme a child can have a Wizzybug for as long as it is suitable for them (usually until they outgrow it) when it is returned to Designability to be refurbished ready for another child to enjoy.

Families can apply for a Wizzybug direct via the application on the website here

Alternatively, please email wizzybug@designability.org.uk

Families on low-income who may need support with the cost of attending their Wizzybug appointment at our clinic in Bath can apply to our Access Fund for assistance.

Contact number: 01225 824103

Contact Name
Wizzybug Loan Scheme Team
Contact Telephone
01225 824103
Contact Email
wizzybug@designability.org.uk
What does your service do?

Wizzybug is a fun first experience of powered mobility for children aged 14 months to 5 years. As a registered charity, we fundraise to provide Wizzybug powered wheelchairs FREE to children that can benefit all over mainland UK. Families can have a Wizzybug for as long as the child can benefit (this is usually until they outgrow it) and when they have completed their loan, they return their Wizzybug and we refurbish it for another family.

Who does your service provide for?

You can refer yourself to the scheme by completing our application form on our website here

How can I start using the service?

You can refer yourself to the scheme by completing our application form on our website here

Where is it located and what areas does it cover?

We're based in Bath but the scheme is open to families all over mainland UK.

How are decisions made about who can use your service?

Our Wizzybug Occupational Therapy team will work with you and if necessary with your therapist to determine if Wizzybug would be a suitable option for your child.

How do you communicate with service users and how are they involved in decision making?

Our Wizzybug Occupational Therapy team will work with you and if necessary your therapist to determine if Wizzybug would be a suitable option for your child. We also provide support throughout the loan period, and keep in touch regularly with families.

Is your service fully accessible?

Yes

What training are the staff supporting children and young people with SEN and Disabilities had or are having?

We employ fully training state-registered Occupational Therapists who process applications and provide seating assessments for each Wizzybug.  All our staff have full DBS and have Child Protection and Safeguaring training. 

How will I know my child is safe?

Wizzybug has been fully tested and is a registered medical device.  It is not crash-tested and therefore a child should never be in their Wizzybug in a vehicle.  Wizzybug is not suitable for any medical attachments such as oxygen.

Which of the following applies to your setting?
  • Accessible changing
  • Disabled parking
  • Accessible toilets
  • Wheelchair access
Does your service include children and young people with:
  • Physical disabilities
  • Complex health needs
How are parents involved in the setting/school/college? How can I be involved?

Please refer to our webpage here where you can find the application form to apply for a Wizzybug.  If you need further information please email wizzybug@designability.org.uk

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Last Updated: 14 October 2022

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