Hi my name is Maisie, I am 12yrs old, I like AWC a lot because it helps you to be more independent and makes parents realise that they have to let there child be more independent in life, and it makes me think mostly how close it can make you with your parents like trust. Everyone is really friendly and I enjoy them because they make games more fun by putting in real life situations so it’s not like "Oh this probably won’t happen to me," But you can't take any chances because who knows what is going to happen in the future. Roy teaches me how to control my chair in different ways which will help me control my life better, if I can get around my home and street safely I can hang-out with mates more and my parents will not worry as much as they do.
You make really good friends to from past courses. At the end they give you certificates to let you know you've achieved something important.

Hi my name is Mick McGarvey, Maisie's proud dad. We have just completed another AWC course and enjoyed it tremendously.
I remember the very first course that we took part in a couple of years ago, Maisie and I did not really know what to expect, but quite frankly, it was probably the most enlightening, educational and enjoyable 2 days we had ever had since Maisie became an essential wheelchair user. What struck me on that first day was just how little understanding I had of the obstacles and dangers that lay ahead for people in chairs, I knew we both had lots to learn, but thankfully, I also knew immediately that we had found the ideal organisation to help Maisie.

In reality, as parents we all do the very best we can for our children, life is a little more complicated in many ways when you have a son or daughter in a chair, you strive to ensure that they have the most appropriate and therapeutic chair etc etc. We place our kids in the hands of the various health professionals who measure your child up and then place them in the right chair and then................nothing that's it! Off you go and wheel yourself about in that!!! There is absolutely no programme to teach these kids how to manoeuvre safely through home, School and moreover life in general. Thankfully, AWC recognises this situation and fills this void fantastically well.

I would recommend every parent in a similar situation to attend these courses. Crucially, all the parents are offered the opportunity to spend the day in a wheelchair and attempt all the vital skills that are taught. What an eye-opener that is, it really helps you understand just how difficult and challenging simple everyday tasks like opening and going through a door is! Once I had experienced these things I had a much better insight into my daughter’s world, and hopefully can give her better support and understanding in all the ways necessary.

As well as teaching all these vital skills, the courses are fun as well, the kids love seeing their mum or dad struggling in the chairs, not being able to operate as smoothly as themselves.

I have watched Maisie become much more able in her chair as a direct result of what AWC have taught her, but she has benefited in many other ways as well, ok she moves around a lot more safely, but this has lead to an increase in self-confidence and self-belief. She will attempt many more things now than before, she now focuses much more on what she can do, not what she can't. She has learnt how to plan ahead and to problem solve for herself. At high school she is one driving into place an evacuation policy that is much needed. She wants to help test out the "evac-chair" etc etc.

Her absolute idol and role model is Ade Adepitan, he has been an inspiration to her, maybe she won't reach his level of sporting achievement, but because of " Beyond Boundaries" and "Desperadoes" she has enrolled in a youth theatre company and she hopes one day to have a career possibly in this field.

Finally, when you are blessed enough to have a child with a disability, you do come into contact with many extremely nice thoughtful caring people, none more so than Roy & Sarah Wild. They have a way with all the children that is marvellous, its very difficult to put into words, you just know and feel that your child is not only having great fun and making new friendships that do endure, but that they are gaining priceless skills that they will need right through their lives. Get on a course as soon as you can, you could not do more for your child, and you will be eternally thankful to this inspiring organisation.