The whole ableMove team have arrived back safely from Naidex 2021, exhausted but exhilarated. What an incredible week for everyone involved. With uncertainty around Covid, no one was sure what to expect from this year’s key disability event but the whole team agrees that it was a great success.

It was our first Naidex as ableMove (rebranded from easyTravelseat) and with a whole range of new products launched this year, this was our first chance since the lifting of Covid restrictions to showcase the complete range to existing and new customers.

It was fantastic to catch up with old friends and make new ones over the course of the two-day event and as predicted, it was the ableDry that proved to be our sell out product.

What struck us all the most was that we were hearing the same story over and over again from everyone we spoke to in relation to the problems that arise from sitting in wet wheelchairs. We listened as exhausted parents explained to us how transferring their child from the shower or bath to the wheelchair was a laborious and clunky process that involved three or four towels that still resulted in their child sitting in a wet wheelchair, and we listened to carers explain how they had devised their own imperfect solutions to a wholly common problem. We listened to wheelchair users of all ages tell us, sometimes, with tears in their eyes, how much they missed swimming or the jacuzzi as the problem of sitting in a wet wheelchair afterwards and the issues that arise from this, meant the benefits gained from the experience were lost and the aftermath, right down to the practicalities of laundering several towels daily was just too hard to factor into everyday life.

So, whilst the ableDrys were literally flying off the shelf, we also managed to speak to several people who were interested in our ableSling and ableSling Lite. Our in-situ slings that allow easy and dignified lateral transfers are now being used by wheelchair users from across the world, not only for travel but in everyday life. Josh was in his ableSling every day at Naidex and was able to demonstrate first-hand just how versatile they are. Our ableStrap also proved popular. We had our very own lovely Lorraine on hand to expertly fit the straps and make sure that everyone who purchased one was totally happy with their ableStrap. Our ableStrap comes in a variety of different sizes, styles and colours and Lorraine was able to work with each customer to make sure they were comfortable.

Josh took part in the hit panel discussion of the show in conjunction with Hot Octopuss, discussing sex and disability. This turned out to be the talking point of the show, and raised some really interesting questions and opened the doors to discuss a subject often seen as taboo.

Big shout out from all the ableMove team, Josh, Lorraine and Lizzie to some of our incredible friends at Parallel, Access Your Life, Limb Art and AbleStay London just to name a few. We loved catching up with you all.

Three very tired but happy people arrived home late last Thursday night and we are already looking forward to Naidex 2022! If you would like to know more about any of our products or are not sure what might suit you the best, remember, do get in touch, we are extremely happy to spend as much time as you need making sure you get the right products to suit your lifestyle. Until next year Birmingham!

 

Naidex is Europe’s most established trade, professional and public event dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and lifestyle of people with a disability or impairment. This esteemed event returns for an unprecedented 44th year, and will propel the industry into the future of inclusion, accessibility, empowerment and efficiency.

Showcasing 300 cutting-edge exhibitors, live demos, 1-2-1 advice, world-class CPD accredited seminars and unparalleled networking opportunities, Naidex is a hub of innovation in the disability community, bringing the entire industry together under one roof for two unforgettable days.