Wheelchair Roller-Skating by Ross Lannon

Roller-skating in a wheelchair? Completed it, mate.

The one thing I love to do most is push boundaries and challenge disability stereotypes.  So with that in mind, the point of today’s blog post is to show you just one of many fun activities you can still participate in, regardless of your disability.  I may be a full-time wheelchair user but I still put my skates on and gave it a good go…whilst sat down of course!  I had such a fun time roller skating that I decided to document my experience in a video.  Please note that I filmed the video before COVID restrictions.

As you can tell, the roller rink I went to in Cornwall provided the perfect venue for a fun night out with friends.  Here are my top three reasons as to why you should find your local rink and get your skates on.

The Atmosphere

Atmosphere is something that’s really important to me.  How could you possibly feel sad when you’re surrounded by disco lights and some throwback tunes?!  I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era as I love me some 80’s music.  I’m not so sure on the whole leg warmer look though but I think I pulled it off quite well.  All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and not one person questioned the fact that there was some random dude in a wheelchair doing donut spins in the middle of the rink.

The Skating

The skating itself was so much fun!  Even though I was sat down, wearing the boots and feeling the skating sensation was a real buzz for me.  I also had great fun in ‘dragging’ my friend around.  My only regret is that we didn’t start a massive conga line on the back of my wheelchair!

The Arcades

Nine times out of ten, most roller rink venues will have some kind of restaurant and arcade facility on the side.  I was like a kid in a candy store – “just take my money!”  As you can see in the video, the overall access was great, which included plenty of wheelchair accessible vehicle parking as well as a disabled toilet.  Thank you again to ‘Roller’s Roller Rink’ for hosting my evening and providing an activity that is not so commonly inclusive.  I really enjoyed the whole retro vibe and wouldn’t hesitate in going back!

To find fun and accessible days out near you, check out Motability’s Rough Accessible Guide to Britain by clicking here.