A Journey of Independence: A’s Story with Designability, Wizzybug and Credo Care Fostering

At Credo Care Fostering, we believe every child should be supported to reach their full potential. A’s story is a beautiful example of how compassionate fostering, early intervention, and the right partnerships can create life‑changing opportunities for children with additional needs.

A, a young person placed with Credo Care Fostering, has a muscle‑wasting condition. From the outset, it was clear that using a manual wheelchair independently would be extremely difficult for them. Shortly after moving in with their foster carer, A’s Occupational Therapist visited and immediately recognised their determination and potential for independence. She suggested a Wizzybug, a powered mobility device provided by the charity Designability and encouraged the foster carer to apply.

After exploring Designability’s website, the application was submitted, and before long, A’s journey with their Wizzybug began.

From the very first days, A was captivated. For the first few weeks, they enjoyed driving the Wizzybug using a “hand‑over‑hand” technique, carefully learning how it worked. Then one day, something clicked and suddenly they were driving independently. One of their favourite things to do was spinning donuts, a trick they still proudly perform today in their powerchair.

The Wizzybug quickly became part of everyday life. A loved taking it to the park, where they could decide exactly where they wanted to go, often leading the way with confidence and excitement. They also used it at nursery, where its compact design meant it fitted neatly under tables, allowing A to play freely alongside their peers and feel fully included in day‑to‑day activities.

One particularly special memory came when A’s physiotherapist organised a summer picnic for children using Wizzybugs. Around seven or eight children attended with their own devices, and A absolutely loved being part of the group. They raced, chased one another, and shared the pure joy of independent movement,  a powerful moment of inclusion and connection.

Throughout this time, A’s foster carer watched their confidence and independence grow each day. The Wizzybug gave A the freedom to approach other children at the park, initiate friendships, and explore the world around them. It also supported the development of important life skills, such as crossing roads safely and confidently navigating their environment.

As A grew, they eventually outgrew their Wizzybug and returned to using a manual wheelchair. By this stage, their joint contractures had tightened, and self‑propelling was no longer possible. Then, by chance, during a routine visit to wheelchair services to adjust their chair following a growth spurt, a clinician noticed A’s history.

“Oh, they’ve had a Wizzybug,” she said. “The powerchair specialist is here today — let’s assess A now.”

A passed the assessment with flying colours and, at just three years old, became the first young person in Kent to be provided with a powered wheelchair. When it arrived, A was overjoyed to regain their independence. They proudly call it “my monster truck” and regularly receive compliments for their excellent driving skills.

A’s foster carer strongly believes that without A’s early experience with the Wizzybug, they may never have been given the opportunity to be assessed for a powerchair at such a young age. More importantly, the confidence, independence and social skills A developed through early powered mobility have helped shape the happy, sociable young person they are today, a child who loves being out in the world and making friends.

The support from Designability throughout the journey was outstanding. The application process was straightforward, with just a six‑week wait from expressing interest to collecting the Wizzybug. Designability even arranged accommodation, turning the experience into a lovely weekend in Bath. Their Occupational Therapist stayed in regular contact, checking on A’s progress, answering questions, and sending replacement parts promptly whenever needed.

A’s journey highlights the powerful impact of inclusive fostering, early access to mobility, and strong partnerships. At Credo Care Fostering, we are proud to work alongside organisations like Designability to help children build confidence, independence, and a sense of possibility.

This is fostering.