Millions of people across the world are dealing with mobility challenges. For some, they’ve been working with it for their whole lives. Others are new to the workarounds and the pace of living with mobility challenges. Either way, every single person with that shared experience is part of an international group of support and aid. It may not seem like it at first, but there are compassionate and even hard-edged individuals that are not only there to help you at your low points, they’ll coach you and remind you that you’re just like everyone else. If you want to help empower individuals with movement difficulties and adjustments, here’s how you can. It’s a lot easier than you think.
With Tech
When it comes to day-to-day activities, weaving in and out of places may be a bit more difficult. That’s not to say it’s impossible. Not even close. But the pace and the means through which you travel are significantly different. So far, a mobility scooter is the best way to get around, no matter what age you are. If you’re looking into getting one for a loved one, or you’re looking to donate a few, there’s no doubt you and the recipients will be pleased. They’re the best. Granted, you may want to make sure that the person operating it has all the means to park and charge it. But for 99% of cases? These scooters are fantastic. You’ll be using it everywhere you go. It beats the heck out of a walker.
With Goals
When we talk about empowering people with mobility limitations, we tend to focus on the things they can’t do. People, no matter what the predicament is, hate to be pitied. Those with true difficulties do not like the victim card. The only ones that do are millennials looking for something to complain about. To empower individuals with mobility challenges, you have to help facilitate goals. Everybody needs goals. It doesn’t matter if the goal is to brush your teeth or to bench press 150 kilos. If you have someone in your life that’s feeling down over some movement limitations, get them moving any way they can. Help them help themselves. Nobody likes to be looked at as “incapable”. That’s the worst. Show them that they can.
With Progress
If you live in a city that isn’t very open to people with mobility challenges, write to your local representative. Whether it’s a counselor, a mayor, or a member of parliament, writing to them with your concerns about access for all people is a righteous cause. What’s the point in scooters and wheels if every government building has stairs? The ability for one to access the halls of shared space is a priority. If you’ve noticed your public spaces and buildings are not accessible? Make noise. Be heard. Influencing public officials to allocate funds for something good is for the benefit of everyone.
When we empower others, our aim is not to make life easier per se. It’s about making the playing field even for those who may be a few steps back. It’s about giving people the chance to prove something to themselves. It’s about getting leaders to facilitate the right to access what is promised to the public. Through technology, legislature, and inspiration, we can empower those around us.
