Growing up, my only mobility aids were splints and orthotics, but when I reached adulthood, I found myself wondering if there were more mobility aids out there that could provide the support and relief I needed. Due to the ways my disabilities show up, I have accumulated a collection of mobility aids that I use interchangeably:

HurryCane Walking Stick

I bought this almost as a joke, because I needed a new walking stick that would (hopefully!) be able to keep up with my partner – who enjoys adventures that are in the middle of nowhere, or are otherwise in nature. I’ll admit I was really surprised by how well it worked! It is especially designed for rough terrain and it’s definitely the most solid and stable walking stick I’ve ever owned, meaning I feel much more supported on uneven ground. It has been named the ‘Adventure Stick’, since I now take it with me on every trip!

Everyday Walking Stick

This was the first mobility aid that I bought for myself. It was a big deal; I was coming to terms with the fact that I needed extra support when moving around. It means that I can stand for slightly longer periods, and have extra stability when walking. I pair all of my mobility aids with any of my walking sticks.

Wheelchair

This was the first mobility aid I ever used. It was one of the first times I had been so ‘visibly disabled’ to the wider world. Before this point, my aids were hidden under clothing, or their design was to specifically ‘blend in’. I hired a wheelchair if I was able to – which, by the way, is really good, low-commitment way of particularly trialling a larger mobility aid if you aren’t sure what would work for you. I still hire a wheelchair occasionally – specifically in situations where I am unable to take my own mobility aids with me. Now, I don’t use my wheelchair as much anymore; partly because I have found other aids that work better for me personally, and partly because the number of times I’ve almost been thrown out of it because of uneven pavements, curbs and slopes is rather high!

Mobility Scooter

This is probably my favourite aid to date. I’ve been able to go distances that I’ve never been able to go before with less pain than usual. It’s also one of the most eye-opening aids I’ve had too – when I used a mobility scooter for the first time, I was genuinely shocked by how much pain I can be in when I walk, as well as how much energy I use just standing and walking around. Whenever I am going long distances, or if I need extra support, my mobility scooter is my first choice.

Rollator

This is my most recent addition to my ‘fleet’. I needed a mobility aid for those situations where a walking stick wasn’t enough for me, or when I wouldn’t be able to take a bigger aid with me, but still needed a seat and manoeuvrability for smaller spaces. I’m still learning how to use it properly, since it is still quite new to me!

Orthotics

I have had many different orthotics throughout my entire life. As my needs change, so do my orthotics! I have splints (you may know them as AFOs), shoes and boots. All of these devices have their purpose – to quite literally make it so that I can walk! I always pair these with every mobility aid I use.      

I can’t talk about mobility aids without also talking about inaccessibility. My own experiences are very similar to a lot of disabled people: being unable to get to your destination because the access is just not there. Whether you’re using public transport, going on days out, or even strolling around your local area – inaccessibility is a part of everyday life for a disabled person: from broken and uneven pavements, to slopes and ramps that are unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters, to no step-free access to buildings, toilets or transport.

The main point that I want you to take away from this blog is that there is no shame in using a mobility aid, or any kind of aid. Mobility aids are there to enhance our lives – if you feel that a particular aid would be useful to you, then by all means, use it and see how it feels for you – you may be pleasantly surprised!  

In the next blog, I will be talking about the different kinds of sensory aids I use!

L.  

Product of the Month: Sociability

For disabled folks, just popping out for a coffee isn’t an option; we are used to having to plan all of our trips out, and having to search around to find access information that doesn’t always give you the information you’re looking for. The Sociability app makes this task so much easier! You can easily search for venues such as restaurants, bars and cafes, and quickly use the filters to find the accessibility features you need – I personally love the fact that I can find sensory-based information too, since that’s always been a struggle to find. I can’t tell you how reassuring it is to pick a mapped place, and know the access is there for you!