Apollo now has a safe and working specialist stroller again!

Here's a cost breakdown of the essential stroller itself as well as all storage/weather accessories we've needed to buy previously (as only Elise Excel accessories are compatible with their strollers).

*ONLY the stroller itself without any storage or weather accessories was previously provided through Sussex Wheelchair Services:

Elise Excel Travel Buggy (same stroller as previously accessed through wheelchair services): £239*

Sun shade: £39

Storage basket: £29

Storm/rain cover: £44

Total: £351

Some children may require additional accessories for safety, also not covered by wheelchair services, such as a padded liner (£39) ankle huggers (£29) or a vest harness (£29).

Following the discriminatory exclusion of autistic children from Sussex Wheelchair Services, fortunately my partner was in a position to front us the money for a new major stroller. We felt that, despite the ongoing dispute with wheelchair services, we still needed to maintain Apollo's access to school which is now where several of his key workers are based including speech and language therapists and behaviourists. His school is a 30 minute walk away from his home. Many families, especially those with extra carers' responsibilities, cannot afford the upfront cost of this necessary equipment required for basic accessibility.

When the wheelchair service was withdrawn from families with autism, it didn't result in autistic children suddenly becoming able to travel without their mobility aids. Instead, families like mine are paying out of pocket due to absolute necessity, we are contacting our children's schools to notify them of our childrens absence due to them no longer having essential equipment for travel, teachers and family liaison officers are scrambling to find any funding that might be available for strollers and wheelchairs, because they know this is a necessity for many children. 

Specialist strollers and wheelchairs exist for children without physical disabilities too, and the new policy excluding children who "can physically walk" feels so outdated, it's surreal.

We must ensure all families can access the equipment necessary to their safety and wellbeing despite their individual financial circumstances.

As well as campaigning for the original policy to be reinstated, we are also pursuing compensation, at least to the amount of the new stroller.

Thank you again for your support with this campaign and please continue to share this petition ✍️