In Conversation with Chloe – Life, Independence and the Kaye Walker

Chloe has used a Kaye Walker since the age of two. Now 30, she shares how it has supported her independence, shaped her education and career, and continues to play a vital role in her everyday life.

Q: Chloe, can you start by telling us a little about yourself?
A: My name’s Chloe, I’m 30, and I have cerebral palsy, which is why I use a frame. I work as an Operational Manager for a disability charity called MOVE Europe. Outside of work, I love concerts and festivals – I’ve seen Youngblood twice this year and I’m going to see JLS in November. I enjoy shopping, spending time with my family and just being out with friends.

Q: When did you first start using a walker?
A: Honestly, I don’t remember my first one because I was only about two. I’ve never known life without it. My mum was nervous about me using it at first, worried I’d fall or hurt myself, but my nan encouraged me. She had a big garden, and I used to do loops around it – it gave me a sense of freedom straight away.

Q: What difference has it made in your life?
A: It’s been everything, really. It allowed me to play with my brothers and cousins, to join in at school and to live independently. At university I was worried it would stop me making friends, but actually it did the opposite. It acted as a filter – the people who saw past it became my closest friends.

Q: What do you like about the Kaye Walker?
A: I like that it trails behind me, rather than pushing something in front. It feels more secure, helps me stay upright, and gives me confidence. I’ve tried other models – one even fell apart on me – and they just didn’t feel right. This one has always been part of who I am.

Q: How do you feel when travelling with it?
A: I love travelling but handing my frame over at the airport is nerve-racking. It’s essentially another pair of legs for me, so I just have to hope it arrives safely. Thankfully it always has, but it’s always in the back of my mind.

Q: How do people respond when they see you using it?
A: Children in particular are brilliant – when I'm working in our schools that use MOVE, children will recognise my frame is the same as theirs and will say, “Chloe’s got a frame like mine,” and that melts my heart. I think that positive representation is so important for creating confidence, and a sense of identity and belonging - I think it’s important for people to see disability equipment as positive rather than something to be pitied. 

Q: Tell us about your work with the charity MOVE.
A: MOVE supports disabled children to develop the skills of sitting, standing, walking and transferring. What’s unique is that MOVE is integrated into the school day – movement is built into everyday activities rather than being a separate intervention or add on to the child's day. MOVE has been used in the UK for over 25 years and it is a privilege to be part of a very special charity that enables children to achieve some fantastic outcomes, often exceeding the low expectations that can be placed upon them. We've had children on the programme be told they might not stand or walk but are now standing at the top of the climbing frame after racing round the playground! For me that's what is so special about MOVE, in a world that often tells disabled people what they can't or won't do, MOVE turns that on its head to focus on what the child can do, and that can do approach is something I pride myself on adopting in my own life too. 

I’ve just become Operations Manager, covering for my manager while she’s on maternity leave. It’s exciting and I think it’s important for disabled people to be seen in senior roles. MOVE saw my potential and gave me this opportunity, which I’m really grateful for.

Q: Outside of MOVE, you’re also involved with Purple Tuesday. Can you share more about that?
A: I’ve been an ambassador for about two years now. It’s about improving accessibility and highlighting the value of disabled people’s participation, whether that’s in everyday life, communities, or as customers. Every November there’s a celebration day, which I take part in. I am also involved in other projects such as testing website accessibility. On top of that, I’m a trustee and vice chair of two other disability charities, and I chair a board that works with the Cabinet Office on disability policy.

Q: If you had to sum up what your frame means to you, what would you say?
A: It’s everything. I’d be lost without it. I often joke it’s like my best friend. More than anything, it’s given me independence, confidence and the ability to live life on my terms where I can achieve all my dreams and more!

Chloe’s story highlights how the Kaye Walker can support independence, confidence and inclusion from childhood through to adulthood. To learn more about the Kaye Walker range, or to arrange a demonstration, please contact our team or visit the Kaye Walker product page