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10 Awesome Perks of Being a Wheelchair User

Being in a wheelchair is often viewed in a negative way by non-disabled people. Of course, there are challenges and barriers every single day, but we don’t want pity and we certainly don’t want our limitations to be the sole focus. There are so many perks of being a wheelchair user and I’m going to share some of them to show you that it isn’t all doom and gloom.

Emma sitting in her powered wheelchair wearing a mustard coloured jumper, black skinny jeans and brown boots. She is sitting in front of a brick wall outside.

So here are my 10 awesome perks of being a wheelchair user

1. Skip the queues

No one likes to wait in queues. They are long and boring. Nowadays everyone’s lives move at 100 miles per hour so ain’t nobody got time to wait in line. That’s when being in a wheelchair and having a disability can be a massive perk. You will usually get to skip the queue and fast-track your way through. I’ve had this happen at tourist attractions, amusement rides in Disney World, events, airport check-in desks and even airport security. It’s a perk and a blooming well good one.

2. Free PA/carer tickets for events

Attending events and gigs can be expensive. If you are disabled and require a PA/carer to attend the event then you are looking at buying not one, but two or possibly three tickets depending on how many carers you require. This can be extremely expensive and may not be possible for many people to afford. That’s why it is fantastic when venues offer a free PA/carer ticket for disabled people. It is seen as a perk, but really it is essential at the same time. Without our family, friends, PA/carer we aren’t able to attend and enjoy these events like everyone else. I don’t know about you, but I love a 2-for-1 offer!

3. Cinema benefits

Following on from the free PA/carer tickets I wanted to also mention the CEA card for use at the cinema. This card will allow someone who is accompanying you to the cinema free admission. Hey, I don’t mind being a cheap date. It’s easy to apply for the CEA card either online or by completing the form and posting it along with your proof of disability and payment of £6. The card is valid for one year. Great perk!

Another cinema perk as a wheelchair user is access to your very own private accessible booth. Not all cinemas have these, but when they do it’s really cool. Cineworld Silverburn has a private accessible booth that makes you feel like you’re the only one watching the movie. Can’t get better than that.

4. Private chauffeur

Driving can be stressful and frustrating. I’ve tried it and didn’t like it. I much prefer to sit back, relax and enjoy the drive whilst someone else deals with the stress. Having a chauffeur means I get to enjoy the views, reply to emails, work on some blog ideas or simply take a nap. Who doesn’t enjoy a wee power nap in the car? You will always have someone to sing along with to all the cheesy radio songs. You also get to feel like a celebrity with your own private chauffeur at all times. Win-win!

5. Private/accessible loos

There are pros and cons to accessible toilets. The cons are that they are often too small, very limited and sometimes only one in each building or venue compared to the numerous standard toilet stalls. However, the good thing about accessible toilets is they are private. You don’t have to share with other people (at the same time) and hear them take care of business. They are often much cleaner than standard toilets especially if they are RADAR key locked.

6. Shoes always look brand new

Our shoes always look brand new, no matter how old they are. The fact we don’t walk on them means we don’t get them dirty or wear the soles down. We get a lifetime of wear out of them and never need to worry about having to pay to get them re-heeled. Of course, having shoes that look brand new doesn’t stop me from buying more.

7. Constant opportunities to exceed expectations

The public often has a very low expectation of disabled people. That means there are constant opportunities to exceed their expectations, whether big or small. Don’t get me wrong, it can sometimes be patronising, but I try not to think of it in a completely negative way, but rather try to see it in a positive light and shatter their stereotypically low and often ridiculous expectations. They are more than likely not meaning it to be patronising, but instead wanting us to succeed as there will no doubt be barriers to that success that non-disabled people don’t face.

8. Patience of a saint

Certain aspects of my life are a lot slower since I need help with most things. Having to wait for someone to do something for me, no matter how small, can take a bit of time. They might not be able to do it right at that instant, so I have to wait. Whether it’s getting me a drink, passing me a pen, or any other simple everyday task. There is that old saying “If you want something done, do it yourself“. Well, I don’t really have that luxury, but that’s where I’ve learned the art of patience.

9. Viewing platforms

Attending an event like a music gig at a venue that doesn’t have a viewing platform is a nightmare for wheelchair users. Without a viewing platform, we are not likely to see much if any at all of the gig other than the backs of everyone else enjoying the band or artist on stage. Viewing platforms are a perk for wheelchair users but also a necessity to allow us to have a good view, which can sometimes be better than everyone else’s view.

10. Free parking

Free/prime parking across the UK! What else is there to say?

I’d like to thank my friend Ryan for his contribution to this post. He is awesome so go give him a wee follow! It was fun to share some of our awesome perks of being a wheelchair user.

Leave a comment below telling us what your favourite perks of being a wheelchair user are or having a disability.

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Meet Emma

Meet Emma

Hello I’m Emma. My mission is to show you the possibilities of accessible travel through my travel guides, tips and reviews. I also share personal stories, live event reviews and more.

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21 Responses

  1. Great minds think alike.
    I never get asked to wash up.
    I never need to go to the bar.
    I always have a seat at a table.
    I don’t need to hold a door open for ladies.
    I never fall over when drunk.
    No driver wants to admit to running over a man in a wheelchair.
    No need to climb stairs, carry heavy boxes or carry suitcases.
    No need to stand in long queues at airports or visitor attractions – just look for the disabled gate.
    I never have to pay to use a public toilet.
    Free bus pass, cheap travel by train for me and my minder / carer / jailer or wife.

    1. Oh wow! Love all of these Ian. They are great! I have to agree with these too…love never getting asked to wash up haha.

  2. great post emma!
    Being able to carry loads of shopping
    BEING ABLE TO WEAR HIGH HEELS
    ALWAYS HAVING A SEAT ON THE TRAIN (EVEN IF SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T GET A WORKING TOILET!)
    being able to travel uphill without getting out of breath
    cars always stop to let me cross the road
    having a free comfy deck chair when visiting the beach
    being able to levitate! I’m only 4ft 9″ when stood, so a riser on my chair comes in useful

    1. Thank you so much Simone. I love all your perks. They are brilliant. Totally agree with being able to carry loads of shopping, I always end up being loaded up with all the bags, jackets etc. I never thought of being able to travel uphill without getting out of breath…love that!

  3. Couple more to add for me…. Using the disabled changing room,(they’re huge) When I was more mobile I’d hit my arms and head trying things on in the normal ones cos they are so tiny!
    And having my own parking bay outside my house! 😍

  4. Great to read something that isn’t negative! Being in a wheelchair can be frustrating but why should we always focus on the negatives? Love this, such a day brightener!

    1. Hi Georgia. Thank you so much for your lovely kind comment. I’m really happy that you enjoyed this post and it helped brighten your day. What are your favourite perks? 🙂

  5. I love this post! I had polio as a child and have had to accept that I need to use a wheelchair when I go out. Like many people who are disabled later in life, I struggled mentally when I first realised I couldn’t put the decision off any longer. Your great post shows that using one need not be seen as a negative thing but one that can be a source of some useful perks. I’ve shared it with a group of ‘old polios’, some of whom are facing the same mental struggle, as I found your positive mindset so appealing. My husband and I certainly find life is easier when I’m in the chair, as it acts as a clear sign that I need a certain type of help. If we walk together, although he‘s holding me upright and doing everything for me, people can’t see this, so things like getting the ramp lowered on a bus or using the disabled loo together are always awkward. And of course the completely impractical shoe thing is brilliant!

    1. Hi Hazel, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I’m thrilled you enjoyed this post and found the perks fun and positive 🙂 It’s great that you find using your wheelchair helpful when you go out and see it in a positive way. Also thank you so much for sharing this post with your friends. I really appreciate that. Have a lovely Christmas 🙂

  6. Hi
    Thank you for sharing such amazing work as it will increase positivity and we required such thoughtful content tp increase more awareness among people to see positively.

    Keep sharing such helpful content.

    1. Hi Cain. Thank you so much for your kind comment, I appreciate that and I’m glad you found this post positive. Thank you! Have a great day!

  7. Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up. Really very happy to say, your post is very interesting to read.

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