
Help me get a powerchair for university
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Hi, I'm Ash. I've been a distance-learning student with the Open University for a few years now, but it isn't working for me. I have ADHD, and I really struggle to motivate myself to study if my environment isn't telling me I need to. On top of that, I'm studying French, and I'm missing out on a lot of conversation work that will help me in any future career prospects in translation or interpretation. Essentially, the choice I made was simple. I need to go to a physical university in order to succeed.
One problem with that, I'm physically disabled too. I've been diagnosed with hypermobility and am currently under investigation for fibromyalgia, and walking long distances causes me a lot of pain. I'm autistic, too, and when my mind is set on a location, I really struggle to change that plan. I decided to apply and get set up in Bangor, Wales, for university. The only accommodation is quite a distance from the campus, and that means that I need to somehow get the 15-minute walk to and from the university every day. There is one bus that leaves once a day from the far side of the accommodation from where I'll be staying, but no bus back.
I can't drive due to my autism, so I need an alternative mode of transport between university and my accommodation. For that, I want to buy a low-end electric wheelchair online, for maximum cost savings.
Why a wheelchair and not a mobility scooter?
A wheelchair is by far the best adapted to my needs getting to and from Bangor University down some quite narrow streets. I also need something small enough to get onto the train to take home, and something that is aircraft legal as I visit my friends in France and Germany at least once a year (round-trip flights cost £40-50, so not remotely comparable to the cost of an electric wheelchair).
A powerchair would really change my life and allow me to study and live with much more freedom. I wouldn't be beholden to bus schedules, I'd be able to attend a lot more classes as energy wouldn't be such a limiting factor. Please, help me live my dream.
The goal is to buy https://etechmobility.co.uk/products/limited-edition-purple-lightweight-electric-wheelchair-freedom-pro-st?variant=54955424743773, if I reach the fundraising goal. Any excess money will be spent on maintenance for the wheelchair. If I surpass the goal, I'll buy a more expensive wheelchair that should hopefully last longer!
-Ash
Organizer
Ash Thawley
Organizer