The Key to Overcoming Mobility Disability Challenges

rnMany people are faced with mobility challenges due to various disabilities and require mobility equipment to help them get around. This equipment can be a cane, a walker or a wheelchair, just to name a few. It can help individuals navigate everything from city sidewalks to movie theaters to visiting museums or other attractions in other cities. The biggest problem with this type of equipment is really the person’s willingness to use it, as many people feel that there is a stigma attached to having to use mobility assistance devices. But the fact is, as more and more baby boomers age, there are a lot more people requiring some type of assistance. One of the biggest problems that people with disabilities face is travel. Even with a full-size mobility van that enables disabled individuals to travel around and reclaim their independence, they still have to rely on equipment to maneuver once they arrive at their destination. While wheelchairs are still the main method of getting around on the ground, there are now improved mobility scooters available that people are using to outside their handicap vehicle. Thanks to improved battery technology, people can travel quite a distance using these scooters on a single charge. And because they’re more lightweight than older models, they’re easy to transport in mobility vans when they travel to other cities and countries. In fact, there is a brand new range of these portable scooters called Travel Mobility Scooters. Overcoming disability challenges To use a standard travel mobility scooter, help may be needed to put these collapsible scooters together. It isn’t a very complicated process, but it does require some assembly when getting ready to use it. But the bigger challenge for those with disabilities is the fact that handicap accessibility doesn’t always follow the ADA standards. For example, when traveling you may find that handicap accessibility may differ between restaurants, tourist attractions and other locations. Living with a disability People who are facing a mobility disability often undergo a difficult time. The transition from being mobile to depending on various types of mobility equipment and other people for help is daunting, but you can’t undo what’s been done. Learning to accept a disability and learning to live with it takes time. When learning about their disability, people experience an entire range of emotions, that run the gamut from sadness and anger to disbelief and fear. While they try to show others that they are learning to live with their disability, the truth is it takes time and a lot of effort to accept having a disability. The key is to find new ways to prevent the disability from impacting your life. People are able to develop a meaningful life filled with joy and happiness despite any disabilities they may encounter. It’s “ok” to mourn your body’s changes and the loss of mobility and the resulting loss of independence, but moving forward despite those challenges can bring back that joy and happiness in their lives that they feared was lost. Advocate for yourself Whatever type of disability you may have, you must learn to advocate for yourself! Always remember that knowledge is power. That means if you need assistance getting somewhere, or you’re shopping for mobility van conversions and need help finding the funding for one, ask. You must be your own advocate if you want to overcome the limitations of your disability. And always remember that asking for help from someone doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re strong! The same goes for finding proper resources in order to overcome any barriers that may be in your way. If you’re having trouble navigating buildings and facilities, familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. It’s the same whether you have issues accessing healthcare facilities or recreational and fitness facilities. In fact, there are ADA requirements for all types of issues, including transportation, livable communities, access to meetings and conferences as well as hotels and motes and all types of educational facilities. As long as you are able to advocate for yourself, or have someone you know who is able to advocate on your behalf, you will be able to find ways to overcome the limitations and challenges that stand in your way from enjoying a happy and productive life. Set some realistic goals for yourself that you will be able to accomplish and go forward to achieve them. Most importantly, do things you know you’re able to do and enjoy them.