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.

They are often easier to get and more affordable than those focused on disability, and there is frequently a variety of styles to choose from!

One item from this category we can't recommend enough for those using manual wheelchairs are bike gloves - they are wonderful for pushing yourself, especially in bad weather. They also lessen the damage on your skin if it's sensitive. If you recently got a manual wheelchair and have a bike or sports store you can get bike gloves from, go for it!

Another accessory that can be useful definitely for manual wheelchairs and maybe some electric ones too is a drink/bottle holder. You can attach it to the part of the frame holding the foot pads, if you can reach it this way. It can keep your hands free even if you get a drink in a cup or a can.

There are also bike pumps which are nearly if not entirely identical to wheelchair pumps, at least for some models.

Sport stores can also be a good place to get coats long enough to cover your legs in your chair and protect from rain. They may carry some protective casing for your backpack too. Especially if they have a sailing and/or camping section.

Many bike and sports stores are also wheelchair accessible.

If you have one nearby and the prices are acceptable to you, you could consider a membership card. Sometimes the bonuses can include some products you might need or want.

(Sorry if this sounds like an ad. We just know that wheelchair supplies stores are scarce and expensive and you can get a lot of stuff you need for a wheelchair from sport supply stores. We just got a new pair of bike gloves after we lost our first, and we want to get a drink/bottle holder next.)