“You can walk, so why are you using a wheelchair?”
In most cases, this question should NEVER be asked, and it definitely shouldn't be asked by a medical professional that is supposed to help you. However, I was asked this question 3 times within 10 minutes of meeting the tech performing a necessary test.
This is not the first time something like this has happened. In fact, it isn’t even the first time it has happened at that hospital. The stereotypes and negative attitudes towards mobility aid users can make it difficult for people to use them, even when they are necessary. Feeling embarrassed or self-conscious is common for people with disabilities. While many see using a mobility aid as a sign of weakness, but it's really a sign of strength.
What many people don’t understand is everything that using a mobility aid can give someone. They are simply tools used by people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, not unlike the tools of a cobbler, a plumber, or a carpenter. These tools can improve the quality of life for a user, give them a sense of empowerment, and even allow them to participate in activities that would otherwise be impossible.
Mobility matters.
The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life. Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
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