New Wheelchair Set to Bring More Independence for Scottish Teenager

A music loving teenager can now enjoy dancing with her friends thanks to a high tech new wheelchair. Zoe Little is a typical teenager who loves to go out with friends, sing and listen to music. The brave 16 year old was born with spina bifida and various other health conditions, and has undergone 50 operations but is determined not to let that stop her.

Zoe was given the wheelchair by charity, Whizz-Kidz, who provides equipment to youngsters to help them become more independent. It will have a big impact on her life and allow her to take part in activities that previously she may have struggled with.

Independence

Her new adjustable wheelchair will now raise her up to the same level as her friends when she is out on the dancefloor and Zoe is delighted. It will also allow her to get out and about without the help of her parents.

She said: “I’ve been to various parties and the wheelchair means I’m at the same height as everyone.

“I enjoy dancing and I love singing. When people tell me I can’t do stuff, I tell them I can.

“I just want to be the same as everyone else. My family are amazing and they’re very supportive and they just tell me to enjoy life.”

Driving a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Zoe spends time raising awareness about her disabilities, doing charity work and fundraising. Her parents, Jacqueline and Ian, are delighted with their daughter’s new chair which they say will let her gain more independence. Jacqueline even hopes that one day Zoe will be able to drive her own wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Jacqueline said: “We were determined to bring her up to get the most out of life and not let her disabilities get in the way.

“We tell her every day how proud we are that she got to walk and she’s done singing lessons. She’s intellectually OK and gives a lot back as she can talk to us. She’s quite positive about life.”

Whizz-Kidz provide disabled children and young people with vital mobility equipment, opportunities to meet and have fun and training to help them gain skills and look forward to a bright future. For more information visit their website.