How to Help Wheelchair Users At Christmas 

By Ross Lannon – Wed, 01 February 2023

When it comes to Christmas, I feel like there are two types of people in this world…  

In one corner we have the Will Ferrell Elves - excitable and thriving for the occasion. And in the other corner, we have the Jim Carrey Grinches - where even the slightest hint of Wham! can cause a full meltdown. 

I may be an Elf-type myself, however, I can definitely appreciate the festive season causing mixed emotions for some - especially when disabilities are involved. 

  Ross sitting in his wheelchair, wrapped up with his feet in a stocking. There is a Christmas tree in the background.

As a wheelchair user myself, I know first-hand how difficult this time of year can be to navigate. For example, are the party venues accessible? Can I physically wrap my loved one’s presents? And am I going to fit in my Christmas jumper if I eat another roast potato? 

All jokes aside, there are many contributing factors that can cause extra stress for wheelchair users at Christmas. So the purpose of this article is to raise awareness and share some tips on how you can support us through the festive season. 

Invite Us! 

 Probably the most important (and simple) thing you can do is to not leave us out of your plans. Never assume a wheelchair user doesn’t want to go somewhere, because 9 times out of 10 they are often feeling isolated enough already. 

 Research the venue or location for access information in advance (hey, I think there’s even an app to help you with that!) and generally just let us feel involved in the decision making. 

Why not use AccessAbles App or website to find accessible venues? Learn more about AccessAble.

There are so many exciting events at this time of year, such as Christmas markets, light parades, and ice skating rinks - so never assume we won’t put a pair of skates on! 

Be Weather Conscious! 

Now this may sound like an obvious tip - as I don’t know many people who like feeling wet and cold - but being weather conscious is very important for wheelchair users at this time of year.  

When spending long periods of time sat in one position, it is essential that we remain comfortable… and damp clothes will definitely not help with that! 

When planning festive trips it always pays to come prepared for all occasions, as the December weather can be quite unpredictable. Not only does the cold make most of us grumpy, it can also affect our already limited mobility. For example when my hands get too cold I lose function in my fingers, which ultimately affects my ability to steer my wheelchair or drive my car. 

Cosy Alternatives! 

 Whilst many outdoor events can be exciting, there are also several alternative ways to get into the Christmas spirit from the comfort of your own home.  

 Many wheelchair users find crowded spaces quite overwhelming and stressful, so this is just a little note to be mindful of that. It’s often easy to forget that we have extra factors to consider when leaving the house, such as accessible toileting facilities. 

 Sometimes you can’t beat a cosy night in with a few festive films and snacks! Why not just become the pig in blanket yourself?! Other fun activities at home can include festive baking, or some seasonal arts and crafts. 

Image of a Christmas cake with crackers next to it.  

Help Decorate! 

On the topic of embracing home comforts, one way to help a wheelchair user feel included this Christmas is to support them with the home decor. I for one love turning my house into a full-on Grotto… who needs to pay to sit on a creepy old man’s lap anyway?! 

Decorating the Christmas tree in itself is a fantastic bonding activity for friends or loved ones. Get those tunes on and make a real evening of it! Many wheelchair users may not be able to physically reach the tree branches, but being involved in the decoration process definitely helps with our self esteem. 

Image of Ross' living room with a Christmas tree and sofa. There is a dog sitting on the sofa.

 Create Traditions! 

Many wheelchair users, such as myself, like a routine because it makes us feel safe and leaves us knowing exactly where we stand (no pun intended!) That’s why Christmas is the perfect time to create festive traditions that can be repeated each year. 

For example, going for a drive through your local town to see all the Christmas lights or taking a Christmas Day stroll along the beach. 

  Image of Ross and other people on the beach

One of the most famous Christmas traditions in the UK is the Pantomime - where many counties will host their own festive performances. This is a great opportunity for wheelchair users to access a live show, as many of the larger venues will have accessible seating and toilet facilities available. 

Use the AccessAble App or website to find Accessible Theatre

Gift Giving! 

My final tip for supporting wheelchair users this Christmas, is to be mindful when buying gifts. Many of us struggle with muscle weakness on top of our mobility, so it pays to take extra care when selecting presents, by ensuring that we can physically use them.  

Maybe just remind Auntie Barbara it’s probably best not to buy us another skateboard! 

  Ross is a male with brown hair and sunglasses. He is pictured in his power chair in front of greenery. He is wearing a black tshirt and blue jeans.

Ross’ blog, A Life on Wheels' started back in 2017 as a way of documenting his journey through adulthood, as a young man with a physical disability.  Since then he has been lucky enough to collaborate with many exciting brands, as well as featuring in various TV and magazine articles. Ross is passionate about the positive representations of disability within the media, hence he is currently studying for a qualification in Foundation Journalism. He also a proud dog-dad to Ralph, and a regular presenter at CHAOS Radio.

Find out more about Ross here: https://www.alifeonwheels.co.uk/

More from Ross: Random Acts of Kindness Day 2020

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