This campaign has now closed
Bugzi is a powered wheelchair designed for disabled children aged 1 to 6 years. It enables them to be independently mobile. We want to make 2 Bugzies to loan to children free of charge. When a child grows out of their Bugzi, it will be returned to MERU to be made ready for another young driver
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Children with disabilities currently can't be assessed by NHS wheelchair services for a powered wheelchair until they are at least 5 years old. By this time, they will have missed out on vital learning experiences such as cause and effect, co-ordination, spatial awareness and personal 'risk management'. They have to rely on their carers to make choices for them, which can be very frustrating and have fewer opportunities to interact with others than other children their age.
Solution
The Bugzi solves this problem by enabling disabled children to be mobile at a very early age. It is easy to learn how to 'drive' a Bugzi and the experience of learning is good for the child in itself. The child feels empowered. Just being able to cross a room to select a favourite toy makes such a difference. In a Bugzi, children can get around by themselves, choose how they want to play and interact with other children.