The Wheelchair Alliance, a national organisation advocating the needs of wheelchair users, has launched its three-year strategy to promote access, innovation and equity in wheelchair provision.

The strategy includes plans to listen and collaborate with wheelchair users on wheelchair provision, while championing national accountability for wheelchair provision via research, lobbying and campaigning.

It will also support innovation of equipment and services for the benefit of wheelchair users by collaborating with key stakeholders.

The announcement follows a successful campaign by the alliance urging the government to review outdated legislation requiring users of powered wheelchairs over 150kg to hold a driving licence and insurance—regulations widely seen as out of step with modern needs and lived experiences.

This legislative review follows years of advocacy by the Alliance and culminated in a meeting at Westminster in July between Alliance leadership and Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport.

Commenting on the launch of the strategy, Nick Goldup, CEO of the Alliance, said: “We are immensely proud of everything that we have achieved so far.

“This includes getting the government to commit to reviewing outdated legislation on the use of powered wheelchairs, the launch of a new Quality Framework and the inauguration of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Wheelchair Users.

“However, we can't stay still. Our volunteers work tirelessly to pursue the vision and the mission of the Alliance, with the aim of improving the lives of wheelchair users everywhere.

“This is why strategy is so important. Driving change forward is key and we look forward to delivering our new strategy to the benefit of wheelchair users throughout the UK.”