Non-disabled people often view assistive devices as restrictive and something bad because they don’t truly understand how my assistive devices positively impact my life. As a physically disabled person, I don’t view my assistive devices as something that is unfortunate that I have to use because assistive devices are freedom and give me independence I would not have without them. I wouldn’t have the independence that I do without my assistive devices because I can’t walk without my crutches and rely on them for everything that I do. My life would be very limiting without my assistive devices, and there are some tasks that I am able to do now that would not be possible if I didn’t have access to my assistive devices. I couldn’t do basic tasks without my assistive devices and would be completely dependent on others. What wouldn’t I be able to do without my assistive devices? In this post, I am sharing a few things that would not be possible without my assistive devices.
I would not have been able to be in my sister’s wedding– I have been a bridesmaid in two of my sisters’ weddings that I would not have been able to participate in if I didn’t have access to assistive devices. My wheelchair gave me the ability to wheel down the aisle and watch my sisters tie the knot. I would not have been able to attend my sister’s wedding without my assistive devices because I am not able to stand for long periods of time, and I can’t stand at all without my assistive devices. My crutches and wheelchair made going to my sister’s wedding possible, and I am grateful that I was able to be part of it. I faced a couple of accessibility barriers, like I always do, but because of my assistive devices, I was able to find ways around them and attend the wedding. I am grateful that my assistive devices gave me this experience because I would have been so sad if there was no way to get me to the wedding and I had to stay home. I can’t change my disability, but I can use assistive devices to make attending big celebrations possible.
I would not be able to go on walks– I walk a couple of days a week to get some exercise because cardio is important for a healthy heart. I have never had the ability to walk without crutches because I have never had the muscles required to walk without them, and there is no therapy or surgery that can give me that ability. My crutches make walking possible because you can’t fix something that is broken beyond repair, and without the use of my crutches, walking would be impossible. I would have a lot less independence without my crutches because they give me the ability to walk around my house and make a meal without needing someone to do it for me. Walking is not my favorite form of exercise, but because of crutches, I have been able to build some leg muscles and go on longer walks for exercise, and I am grateful for that. I would be able to strength train without my assistive devices because you don’t need to stand to lift weights, but cardio would be impossible without the use of my assistive devices. I love that my assistive devices give me the ability to go on walks because it allows me to build muscle, which makes my life easier.
I would not be able to go to theme parks- Theme parks are outrageously expensive, and I don’t have a desire to go very often because all you do is spend most of the day waiting in line. I have never had the ability to walk long distances because walking with crutches requires more effort, and I get fatigued faster than a non-disabled person who walks that same distance. My assistive devices make going to theme parks possible because I am able to sit in my wheelchair and wheel around the park without straining my legs. I would not be able to go to theme parks without my assistive devices because I don’t have the ability to walk for hours like non-disabled people do, and I can’t walk at all without them.
I would not be able to travel– Some disabled people are not able to travel because of the lack of accessibility in hotels, and I am grateful that my disability doesn’t prevent me from being able to travel and visit family. I would be a homebody if it weren’t for my assistive devices, and I would not be able to travel at all without them because someone would have to carry me everywhere, and it would be too difficult to travel to a new state or country. Traveling is more stressful when you have a disability because you have to think about things non-disabled people don’t have to. I am grateful that my assistive devices give me the ability to travel and have experiences outside of my home. I have friends who have more physical challenges than I do, who can’t travel because of the lack of accessibility in places and hotels, but wish they could. I face a lot of accessibility barriers when I travel and can’t go alone, but because of my assistive devices, traveling is possible. I don’t fly often because flying gives me seizures, but I can walk on a plane if I have to and somewhat navigate an inaccessible hotel because of my assistive devices.
I would not be able to go to the beach- Beaches are not accessible for wheelchair users because it’s hard to push a wheelchair through sand, and most beaches do not have accessible paths for wheelchair users. My parents have a beach condo that I sometimes go to, and if it weren’t for my assistive devices, getting me there would be very difficult, if not impossible. I rarely bring my wheelchair to the beach because pushing my wheelchair through sand is difficult, and my crutches give me the ability to walk on the beach. I don’t go to the beach very often because it’s not my favorite activity, but because of my assistive devices, beach trips are possible. I have only been on the beach once or twice since I lost mobility because walking is more difficult, and I have no desire to walk on the beach. I am able to go to the pool and spend the night at my parents’ condo because of my assistive devices, and without them, I would not be able to participate in family beach trips. Beach trips would not be on the agenda for me without my assistive devices because my parents’ beach condo is small, and it would be too difficult to navigate if I couldn’t walk.
I would not be able to be left alone- I am able to manage all my self-care needs without assistance, and it is totally safe to leave me home alone for a few days because not all disabled people need someone to be with them at all times. My assistive devices give me independence so I can be left alone for longer periods of time, and if I didn’t have access to them, leaving me home alone for days would be unsafe. I wouldn’t be able to walk to the bathroom, and it would be difficult to make a meal if I were hungry. I would require 24/7 care without my assistive devices because I would not be able to do tasks that my assistive devices give me the ability to do.
They allow me to go to in-person doctors visits– Doctors’ offices are not accessible, and some disabled people struggle to go to in-person doctors’ appointments due to the lack of accessibility. I can go to in-person doctors’ appointments because of my assistive devices, and without them, it would be impossible for me to physically go to my doctor’s office. If I am not experiencing any health issues, I would rather do virtual appointments, because it’s so much faster, but if I am not well, I would rather go to in-person doctor’s appointments, and my assistive devices make that possible. Doctors can do a more thorough examination when they see you in person, and I like being able to have that choice.
Non-disabled people sometimes think that assistive devices are a sign of weakness and tell disabled people to get rid of them. My assistive devices have improved my life, allowing me to do so much more independently. My life would be depressing without my assistive devices because I would be so limited and wouldn’t be able to do activities with my friends. You should be praising my assistive devices because I have the life I do because of them. Assistive devices are not something that we are bound to, and they give disabled people freedom we wouldn’t have without them. My assistive devices sometimes get in the way, and I hit things that most people wouldn’t, but they make most things in my life possible. Assistive devices are not a choice for me because I can’t change my physical disability and am not able to function without them. Please stop shaming assistive devices because they’re a good thing and necessary for many disabled people! What would you not be able to do without your assistive devices?
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