Link April 2018 Volume 27 Issue 2 | Page 52

feature Life goes on Exploring the world with MS Two former professionals have found ways to travel all over the world despite their reduced mobility due to advancing Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Scott Sanderson, an electrical engineer who owned and ran a tech company, and Maureen Corrigan, a public health professional, are using increasingly sophisticated personal portable mobility devices to reach surprising places. F or Maureen, that place get around. But Iceland is careful “The scooter lets me go where was Iceland. She used the to protect its natural habitats and I want, when I want. It’s perfect for boardwalks to see volcanoes scooter friendly boardwalks span that. There’s none of this waiting and glaciers, zooming along on her many of the popular walking tracks. around for someone else to push Luggie, a lightweight mobility scooter They turned out to be Maureen’s me,” Maureen said. that can be taken on aeroplanes. personal yellow brick road. Scott, on the other hand, boasts a waiting for your attendant to glowing crater in Hawaii as his most someone like Maureen was impossible remember you, versus relaxing with spectacular destination. Both of them without a fleet of attendants and a coffee that you went and found have been to over a dozen countries, carers every step of the way. But an yourself. And I’ve seen lots of beautiful from Japan to Norway, to South increased awareness of accessibility things, thanks to the scooter.” Africa and Vietnam. means more ramps, more elevators, Maureen prefers independence 52 Until recently, globe-trotting for “It’s the difference between According to Scooters Australia, and fewer headaches. Even cruise- the national importer of the Luggie, and adventure: she loves liners and airports have lifted their travel scooters are now their top seller. encountering challenges. She arrived game. Both Scott and Maureen in Iceland on the Queen Victoria have been on a number of cruises, Scooters Australia, welcomes the new with no idea how she was going to including Europe, Alaska and Asia. trend towards travel. mobility Peter Fraser, Managing Director of linkonline.com.au