Which Equipment Helps A Disabled Person To Move Anywhere?

Over the course of history, the disabled community has been considered a marginalized section of society. Apart from their disability diminishing the quality of their, disabled individuals have also been discriminated against and faced exclusion. However, due to social activism, disabled individuals are being accepted into mainstream society. One aspect of this acceptance or integration is the contribution of science in the improvement of life quality for disabled individuals. This contribution has come in the form of technological advancement in disability equipment. Disability equipment improves the quality of life for disabled individuals and makes their day-to-day activities easier. With the help of activists, disability equipment is also being made accessible to members of the disabled community not in a financial position to afford them. 

Mobility aids are special kinds of disability equipment that increase mobility. If an individual has a disability or injury that hinders their movement or mobility, such equipment helps them increase it.

Types of Mobility Aids

There are many types of mobility aids available in the market, and each one of them is suitable for various conditions. A cane might not be useful to someone who needs a wheelchair. Thus, it is better to consult one’s healthcare professional to find out which exact mobility aid they require. Below is a list of some of the most common mobility aids and some details about them.

1: Canes –

Canes are perhaps the most common and cheapest mobility aids out there. They’re quite easy to use and do not require much training. These are not only used by people with disabilities or injuries but also senior citizens who have difficulty walking. Canes help those whose disability affects their lower body. With the help of canes, a majority of the load is transferred from the lower half of the body to the cane. Although, they are not as effective as crutches when it comes to loading transfer. 

2: Walkers –

Walkers are made of four legs and provide total support for walking. These are used by those whose disability or injury severely affects their walking abilities. Senior citizens suffering from conditions such as arthritis also make use of this particular mobility aid a lot. Walkers are also known as Zimmer frames. Advanced walkers come with gliders so that the individual doesn’t have to lift the whole walker in order to move ahead. Instead, they can simply slide them forward. This is especially useful for those who are not strong enough to lift the walker constantly. 

3: Crutches –

Crutches are quite similar to canes, but they’re far more effective as a mobility aid. The load is transferred from the lower half of the body to the crutches via the armpit of an individual. The end of the crutch that comes in contact with the armpit is often cushioned to avoid nerve damage due to constant pressure. One can either use a single crutch or a pair. These are mostly used by those who suffer from permanent disabilities.

4: Wheelchairs –

Those individuals who cannot put any load on their lower bodies often use wheelchairs to increase their mobility. It’s especially helpful to those suffering from serious fractures in the lower half of their body or those with severe disabilities that prevent them from even standing up. Even in hospitals, the staff often uses wheelchairs to transport patients from one place to another. Today, there are even automatic wheelchairs in the market that can easily be controlled by buttons. Thus, the user does not have to exert any physical labor. 

5: Guide Dogs –

Guide dogs are not merely a mobility aid but can also become your best friends. Guide dogs are especially popular among those who suffer from some form of visual disabilities. Those with visual disabilities such as partial or complete blindness make use of guide dogs to navigate outdoors. These dogs can prevent one from bumping into objects or moving vehicles. These dogs are specially trained by experts and respond to audio cues. Apart from being a mobility aid, guide dogs can also act as therapy dogs. Moreover, you can take these furry companions anywhere as they’re permitted in all public spaces. 

6: Home Modifications –

If you suffer from a disability that limits your mobility, it is also recommended that you get some home modifications done. These modifications include the installation of ramps to make your home wheelchair-accessible, the installation of stairlifts, and handrails. These modifications can greatly increase your mobility around your house. 

One of these mobility aids is bound to improve a disabled individual’s mobility, and consequently, their life quality.