International Wheelchair Day: Celebrating the People and Purpose Behind Ross Care as a Wheelchair Services Provider 

Ross Care is the UK’s leading provider of NHS Wheelchair Services and NHS-approved wheelchair repairs. With more than 60 years of experience, we support over 400,000 wheelchair users each year across 40 regions in England and Wales. Working in partnership with NHS commissioners, we deliver comprehensive services spanning clinical assessment, specialist seating, posture management, equipment provision, maintenance, repair and ongoing support. 

On International Wheelchair Day, we reflect not only on the essential role wheelchairs play in enabling independence, but on the skilled professionals and service users who give that work meaning every day. 

The History and Purpose of International Wheelchair Day 

International Wheelchair Day was first launched in 2008 to celebrate the positive impact of wheelchairs in people’s lives, recognise those who provide and support wheelchair services worldwide and highlight the millions who still lack access to appropriate mobility equipment. 

At its heart, the day is about dignity, inclusion and opportunity. A wheelchair is not simply equipment. It is access to education, employment, family life, social connection and independence. 

NHS Wheelchair Services exist to assess individual need, provide clinically appropriate equipment, prevent secondary complications and promote long term health, comfort and participation. The right wheelchair provision can reduce hospital admissions, improve posture and respiratory function, enhance confidence and enable individuals to live active and fulfilling lives within their communities. 

Simon, a Rehabilitation Engineering Technician in Gillingham, described this responsibility clearly: 

‘The work I do as a Rehabilitation Engineer has a direct and lasting impact on the lives of wheelchair users and their families. By ensuring equipment is safe, correctly fitted and tailored to individual needs, we are not just providing mobility, we are promoting independence, confidence and the ability to participate fully in daily life. When a wheelchair fits well and functions reliably, it reduces pain, prevents further complications and allows someone to focus on living rather than managing discomfort.’ 

Sarah, a Senior Occupational Therapist, shared a similar perspective: 

‘Enabling independence with mobility gives people the opportunity to grow, develop and live their lives with purpose. The positive impact extends beyond the individual to their families, who gain reassurance and confidence knowing their loved one is supported safely and appropriately.’ 

This is NHS Wheelchair Services at their best: going beyond provision to deliver measurable improvements in people’s lives. 

Beyond the Numbers - The Individual Impact We Witness Every Day 

While Ross Care operates at scale, our work is never just about numbers. It is about the individual stories unfolding in clinics, homes and communities across the country. 

Richard, a Rehabilitation Engineer working in the North of England, recalled meeting a young child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: 

‘I saw a young child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who was losing strength rapidly. After providing the right powered wheelchair and seating system, he was able to move independently again and engage with his friends at school. His parents told me it was the first time in months that they had seen him smiling with that level of confidence. The equipment gave him back not just mobility but a sense of normality and control at a very difficult time.’ 

Jacob, a Physiotherapist in the South East, described assessing a young person with cerebral palsy: 

‘When I first assessed him, he was struggling with posture, fatigue and limited participation. After providing a more appropriate seating system and making careful adjustments, we saw a noticeable increase in function and comfort. He was able to stay in school longer and participate more actively in lessons. For his family, that meant seeing their son more engaged, more confident and less exhausted.’ 

Maciej, Service Manager in Eastbourne, reflected on how regularly these moments occur: 

‘Pretty much every day there are examples. Just today we delivered equipment that meant someone could leave the house independently for the first time in months. You see the relief in people’s faces when something that has been limiting them is finally resolved. It reminds you that what we do genuinely changes lives.’ 

Emily, a Community Health Engagement Officer covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, highlighted the wider impact: 

‘Providing service users with detailed information and support enables them to make informed choices and feel confident in their equipment. When someone understands their options and feels heard, it transforms their whole experience.’

Even in the most sensitive situations, the difference is profound. A Customer Service colleague shared: 

‘We had one client who was very ill and receiving palliative care. By prioritising their equipment needs and ensuring repairs were completed quickly, we were able to provide comfort and dignity at a very sensitive time. The family later told us how much it meant to have one less worry during such a difficult period.’ 

These are not isolated examples. They are daily realities across Ross Care services, where skilled professionals witness firsthand how the right equipment can transform confidence, comfort and participation. Behind every appointment is a person navigating their own challenges and aspirations. It is this steady, everyday impact that defines the true value of services Ross Care provides. 

A Service User’s Perspective 

International Wheelchair Day ultimately centres on wheelchair users themselves. 

Cassidy from Hampshire, shared: 

‘Having a wheelchair has given me a far better quality of life. It has allowed me to be more independent and to take part in activities that would otherwise be very difficult.’ 

She described a particularly meaningful moment: 

‘When I was visiting my grandparents, it allowed me to fully be part of the day rather than sitting on the sidelines. I could move around with everyone else and feel included in conversations and activities.’ 

Cassidy also reflected positively on her experience of Wheelchair Services, explaining how assessments and advice helped her understand different equipment options and get the most from her wheelchair. 

Her words reinforce what our teams witness every day: the right wheelchair is not simply equipment, it is an enabler - supporting people to be confident, wheelchair-enabled and able to fully participate in the world around them. 

A Positive Place to Work, underpinned by Purpose 

Across Ross Care, colleagues consistently describe high levels of job satisfaction rooted in meaningful impact. 

Gary, a Mobile Service Engineer in Birmingham, explained: 

‘What I find most rewarding about my role is seeing the immediate difference a repair or adjustment can make. Something that might seem small to others, like fixing a footrest or adjusting brakes, can restore someone’s independence and confidence instantly. Knowing that I have helped someone regain their mobility that same day is incredibly fulfilling.” 

Lauren, an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kent, shared: 

‘Supporting clients with their mobility and independence is rewarding because you see the change first hand. When someone realises they can move more freely or participate more fully, it makes all the work worthwhile.’ 

Ruby, Ross Care Graphic Designer, highlighted how every role contributes: 

‘Creating materials that support services improving people’s independence gives me a real sense of purpose. Even though I do not work directly in clinics, I know that clear communication and accessible information help service users understand their options and feel supported throughout their journey.’ 

Dave, a Senior Service Engineer covering the North East summarised the collective motivation: 

‘Being able to use my experience and knowledge to restore mobility and improve quality of life is what makes this job worthwhile. You see the knock-on effect on families and carers and that stays with you.’ 

Across clinical teams, engineering services, customer support, governance and communications, there is a shared understanding that this work matters deeply. 

James Parramore, Managing Director of Ross Care, adds: 

‘International Wheelchair Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the profound and often life-changing impact that our services have on individuals and families across the country. I am immensely proud of our teams who demonstrate professionalism, compassion and dedication every day. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank every colleague for their commitment to delivering high quality, safe and person-centred services. We will continue to strive to provide the best possible service for wheelchair users and to work closely with our NHS Partners to improve outcomes for the communities we serve.’ 

Committed to Continuous Improvement 

On International Wheelchair Day, we extend our best wishes to the wider wheelchair provider community and to wheelchair users everywhere. 

At Ross Care, we remain committed to supporting positive outcomes for our Service Users, delivering high quality services for our NHS customers, and fostering a workplace where our staff can continue to make a meaningful difference. 

Because behind every wheelchair is a person, a family and a story and we are proud to play our part in all that International Wheelchair Day celebrates.