#disabled tips

This post is for people who are getting a mobility aid/have one but are struggling with using it because of fear and/or internalized ableism.

These are things that have helped me personally feel more confident using my aid.

(credentials: I've been physically disabled for roughly 5 years, and a cane user for 4 [consistently for 3])

★ Decorate your mobility aids/find one that matches your style.

- I find having a cane that I find pretty rather than one that is plain and medical makes me more excited to use it than if it didn't reflect my interests

★ Remind yourself that you know your body/needs better than anyone else

-It's extremely easy to worry about what other people think about your aid. Whether it's strangers or people who you personally know. Especially if those people directly make comments on your aid. Do your best to remind yourself (and them, if you're able to/want to do so) that you know your needs better than they do. You got this aid for a reason, trust your judgment(/doctor's judgement if they were the ones who recommended an aid.)

★Simplify it for yourself

-Sometimes telling myself "I use this metal stick to help me walk" makes it feel less scary

★ Do it scared

-There's a real chance you'll never be "ready" to use your aid. So do it before you're ready. The confidence can come later. I was terrified of using my cane at first, but now I rarely notice stares. (And if you're never confident/always scared. That's ok too)

★ Come up with what to say when/if people ask about it

-Sometimes it's overwhelming when people ask questions about your aid. So I like thinking of what I'll say if someone asks. This can be, disclosing your disability, disclosing the symptoms you use it for, simply saying your disabled, making up a funny story, or simply saying you don't to answer that.

Tags For More Ppl To See It *lmk if u want to be removed*

1. potato mash. throw that microwaveable mash in the microwave for like 5 minutes and boom done. if you have energy you can get some spices and throw it in there to make it a bit nicer, but plain mash is still good! a bit of milk makes it creamier (oat milk works too dw) you can eat this out the tub if you dont touch the plastic with your bare hands!

2. chicken goujans. they're dino nuggies but bigger and slightly healthier. throw that shiz into the oven for like 15-20 minutes and boom food. get some sauce and spices if you can and throw them on there, if not its fine it still tastes awesome. all u need is a bowl, its a finger food if you want it to be

3. yoghurt. get a tub of yoghurt and throw some porridge oats in there and some honey. takes about 5 minutes max and is both healthy and yummy. you dont even need extra stuff, yoghurt on its own is still really nice! you dont even have to get a bowl, just get a spoon and eat out of the tub. get some berries if u can!

4. toast! nothing wrong with some toast. you dont even have to eat it with anything. if you have the energy to, honey on toast with a few strawberries is quite nice. takes like 5 mins

5. cereal! this one is a hit or miss, because if you have a really bad pain week then you end up with a gross mess to clean up, but if you think you can then it's just dumping the cereal into the bowl with milk and getting a spoon. try buy some healthier cereals that have fruit in them (if ur not allergic) because then you're still getting one of your five a day in ;)

6. @/yrfemmehusband : scrambled eggs or cream of wheat are good if you have GI issues! also very yum :)

How did you ask your parents for aide?

but!! i've found a solution to this! and i am posting this in the hopes that it could help someone else in my same predicament!!!

my solution?

marking time 💞

those who have been in marching band know what i'm talking about!! for those who have not, and for those who want to hear more, i have an explanation and further elaboration under the cut.

VVV

(because getting a new aid can be scary. Esp if it's your first time)

Am I "disabled enough" to need an aid?

There's no threshold for how disabled you need to be to use an aid. If you have symptoms that you think would be helped by using an aid/the aid you have does help, then you're disabled enough.

What if I get an aid and it doesn't help?

Then it doesn't help. You can always donate that aid. You aren't taking resources away from someone who actually needs it just because it turns out you didn't benefit from that specific aid.

What if people ask questions?

Tell them whatever you want. Your medical history, the symptoms you use it for, make up something, or tell them you don't give out medical information. It's up to you how much you want to share.

What if people stare?

Let them. Let people make untrue assumptions about out. That doesn't matter. Your safety is more important than the opinions of others. Plus, after a bit you won't notice the staring as much

I don't think I'll need it all the time

Valid. Alot of mobility aid users have dynamic disabilities, meaning their symptoms fluctuate. It's totally normal to use an aid one day and not another.

How will I know if I should bring it somewhere or not?

It'll take some time, but eventually you'll get a feel for what situations will make you need it. For me personally, if I'm going to spend most of the time standing/walking OR I'm not sure how much I'll be standing/walking I'll bring my aid

How do I use it?