Forums > Introductions > Poi and Wheelchairs??

Posted: 20th Jun 2008
I met one once. He was going pretty well, and I had a chat to him and asked him how he found it. He said it was still fun, but obviously movement is an issue, and his moves were more limited by the wheelchair.

So, it's possible, but "dancing" may be a bit more difficult, and some types of moves like under the legs and certain wraps are impossible, while others like behind the back are far more difficult, but still possible. If she wants to give it a go though it is definitely possible, and you can get to a fair level in twirling, but unfortunately, a wheel chair will restrict progress.

If she wants to get into the object manipulation arts, I might recommend she learn something that places less dependency on the legs, such as contact juggling. Contact juggling is nearly entirely arms and upper-body, and she'd still be able to do all the more advanced moves, the only moves I can think of that she wouldn't be able to do are point Isolations and full body/leg rolls, so maybe that would be preferable?

I wish you both all the best.

Posted: 20th Jun 2008
Aha! Now that I've asked, I see the forum has discovered links, and given me the answer I couldn't find on my own...

Suggestions I have already found: short chains (cords would be lighter?), light poi toys, good posture (vital for ALL of us), wide and over-the-head moves. I imagine soft toys would be good too, for a beginner.

This is a most interesting forum!

Cheers,
Neil

Posted: 20th Jun 2008
Thanks, Nathaniel. The friend is losing control of her small muscles, so juggling might be out, but I'll find out what contact juggling is, just in case.

Neil