Holidays, we all love them, but too often people with special needs can miss out on experiences and activities, due to accessibility issues and constraints. Having the right assistive technology for travel and recreation can go a long way in ensuring your holiday is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Paul Harju, previously of Cairns but now a full-time traveller, took delivery of a Klaxon Klick Power attachment in early July 2022, which he sourced through Astris PME. The Klick is a powered front wheel and handlebar unit that attaches easily to a manual wheelchair, turning it into a light scooter. “It’s the coolest game changer,” Paul said. “It’s portable and light and I can pull it apart, take the battery off and put it in the car myself.”
He’s been a traveller since 2018 in his caravan. Though too young to be a grey nomad, Paul said, “I’m a full-time brown nomad and love waking up next to a new beach.” Since getting the Klaxon Klick he has been exploring more and going further in each new location. “It’s fun to use, and it gives you motivation to get on and do things.”
Paul also has a Magic Mobility X8, which is a 4WD powered wheelchair. He uses this for the beach and more rugged terrain but prefers to use his Klaxon Klick to visit the shops or friends’ places in the area. “I’m in Cairns at the moment and all my friends are 1-2km apart. It’s too short for a taxi and too long to push, so this is ideal. I also go to the mall, and straight into Woolworths.”
Astris PME also spoke to Karina and Ally Robb, from Nyngan, NSW. When12-year-old Ally first reclined in her new xRover outdoor stroller, “for two hours she just sat and smiled at everyone”, her mother Karina said. “She’s so comfortable in it and in her glory.”
Ally is already using and loving her new stroller at local sports matches, but it’s an upcoming family holiday to the Gold Coast where the xRover will really shine. That’s where she will be able to make use of the extra set of inflated beach wheels that can be used on the sand.
“Ally loves water and for the first time in 12 years she’ll be able to be down on the sand with all of us instead of mum or dad staying back with her,” Karina said. “It’s about inclusion and this allows us to do what any other family can do.
“One reason I chose the xRover was because it attaches to the back of your bike. I had a special seat at the front for my three-year-old, but I couldn’t take Ally. Now we can all go together.”
Thank you to Paul, Ally and Karina for allowing us to produce this feature.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Klaxon Klick or xRover, please call us on 1300 131 884.
