Helping disabled people to help themselves
31/07/2007
A man who suddenly became disabled last year and was shocked at the price of aid products from retail outlets has set up an innovative website called Disable Aid for disabled people to help each other.
The idea is a simple one. Anything someone no longer uses or needs can be offered on the site, or, if you are looking for something, you just let the members know. It's a bit like a disabled Trade-It online.
Website founder John Bradbury said: "Becoming disabled came as a complete surprise. I moved house in December 2005, and in March 2006 I landscaped my back garden and was swimming twice a week. Then in July I developed a cough and felt short of breath so I went to the doctor who sent me for various tests. He told me I was diabetic, had fibrosin alvialitus and weak kidneys - and that it could not be cured.
"Three months later I couldn't even walk twenty yards without stopping for breath. I was on 15 tablets a day, three blood tests a day - one before each meal - and three insulin injections. I had to go to the doctors a couple of times every week for about three months and had blood tests galore. When I started to need disabled aids, I was really shocked at how much they were - I mean, really shocked! So I had the idea to could set up a sort of trading website for disabled people to buy and sell at reasonable prices. That way we can all help each other."
The site has two sections: "items available" and "items wanted". The "available" section means you can post something you no longer use or need and would like to offer in exchange for something you do want, or sell it at a much reduced price - or even give it away to a good home. The "wanted" section is to let members know what you are looking for, and whether you want to buy, exchange or need something for nothing. John encourages people to describe their items in detail, state a price if selling, and leave a contact number or email address.
To use the site click onto the link below.