If youve been considering using a mobility aid but feel like youre not 'disabled enough,' or fear the societal reprecussions, THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO USE ONE ANYWAY
You dont need to prove to anyone that youre disabled or explain why you need an aid.
There is no shame in using an aid, even if people try to make you feel that way. It sucks to be stared at and get rude and invasive comments, but it also sucks to be in pain all the time and not be able to get around easily.
It doesnt matter if your disability hasnt been recognized by a doctor. It doesnt matter if youve been told that you arent 'medically required' to use an aid or shouldnt have to use one. You know your body better than anyone, so listen to it and trust yourself.
Just because you might not always need to use an aid, doesnt mean you should never use one in times that you need it.
Theres no such thing as being 'not disabled enough' to use a mobility aid. If it helps, it helps, and theres no reason not to use it. Youre not creating a bad image for disabled people or taking away resources from others.
Unfortunately many abled people already have a bad image of disabled people, which is never the fault of disabled people. They will look down on us and accuse you of faking or overplaying your symptoms no matter who you are or what you do. So do whats best for you, because youre not gonna change what they think by forcing yourself to not use an aid when you need one.
Everyones symptoms are different, just because you dont have it the worst doesnt mean you shouldnt be able to use an aid if it helps. Comparing yourself to others isnt helpful.
You can use multiple different mobility aids. Some days you may need to use a wheelchair, but if some days youre fine with using a walker, thats cool too! Shop around for different types of aid, do research, and find out whats best for you. Maybe you started off with a cane but are now realizing that crutches would be better for you. If the aid you previously used isnt working for you anymore, or only works some days, dont hesitate to look at other options!
If you have to worry that youre 'faking it,' youre probably not faking it.
You dont have to cater to abled people. You dont have to try to appear able bodied just because thats what society expects. Even if youre able to hide your disability, youre actively contributing to and creating problems that youll eventually have to address.
Dont wait until youre in unbearable pain to use a mobility aid. Youll only cause more unneccesary harm to your body.
Not using a mobility aid when you need one is not 'overcoming disability' and its not 'inspirational,' its literally damaging.
Using a mobility aid is not 'tragic,' youre not 'giving in to your disability,' youre not weak. The fact that things that help disabled people function better actually exist is something to be celebrated! So why not take advantage of these awesome devices?
The long and short of it is: if using a mobility aid helps you function better and experience less pain and physical health symptoms, then you are well within your rights to use one. Your body will thank you for it.
turnnoffyourmind
jacobvanloon
dededos
andulkaphoto
theartofmadeline
