What are mobility aids? Mobility aids refer to things like wheelchairs, walking canes, walkers, crutches, and motorized scooters. They are used to assist with mobility/movement for those with disabilities, chronic pain, injuries, and/or challenges with balance and mobile stability.
There is a lot of stigma and stereotypes that surround mobility aids, and the individuals, particularly Disabled individuals, who use them. The stigma and stereotypes are compounded among individuals with intersectional identities (social identities that overlap with multiple marginalized communities.)
Mobility aids and the disabilities associated with them are associated with ideas of being a victim, incapable, incompetent, dependent, child-like, unworthy, and pitiful. Historically, disabilities and the need for mobility aids have even been perceived as divine punishment or indications of immoral character. Even in medical settings, mobility aids are often viewed as a "last resort", and something to actively avoid.
The pervasive presence of ableism is internalized by many Disabled individuals, and it often requires active unlearning and healing. The stigmas, stereotypes, and negative social pressures to operate like an able-bodied person deter the use of mobility aids for those who need or could greatly benefit from them.
Wheelchair Users Can't Walk | While this is true for some wheelchair users, it is not true for all. You do not have to be paralyzed to use a wheelchair. There are various reasons why someone may struggle with walking consistently or for long periods of time. Mobility aids are designed to be a helpful tool, not a sole mobility replacement for all people.
Mobility Aids are for the Elderly | Mobility aids are for and used by all age groups. There is no age limit on disability, chronic pain, illness, injury, or mobility challenges. No one should allow their age to be a barrier between them and a mobility aid if it is something that will improve the quality of their life and accessibility to activity participation.
Non-Paralyzed Mobility Aid Users are Lazy | Non-paralyzed mobility aid users deserve to minimize their pain or discomfort without judgment. Using mobility aids presents its own challenges in terms of physical and social barriers. It is in no way lazy or an easy way of getting around as mobility aid users have to overcome various challenges every day just to use their mobility aids comfortably.
Mobility aids need to be viewed as exactly that. Aids of mobility. They are not the last resort, they are tools that can greatly improve the quality of your life. You can not evaluate someone's worth, status, disability, or character based on their use of mobility aids. No person should have to feel shame, guilt, or judgment for assisting with their own needs and engaging in an act of self-care and self-advocacy.
SOURCES:
Brewer, Tim. “7 Mobility Aids Myths.” Uplifting Mobility, 16 Apr. 2019, www.upliftingmobility.com/mobility-aids-myths.
Mobility Aids. medlineplus.gov/mobilityaids.html.
NCBI - Facing up to Disability. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678304.
NCBI - Perspectives on Use of Mobility Aids... www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2768139.
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