A quick note on mobility

[kaberett]

Over the course of this DLA application, I have over and over again caught myself thinking oh, but my walking is so much better than it was last time I applied, what do?!

And the answer is: actually, that assertion's bullshit on at least two counts. Namely:

(1) none of my DLA award was for my physical mobility impairments
(2) the reason my walking appears to be so much better is that I have a wheelchair. This means I'm not walking (so much) even when I really shouldn't be, which means I'm less tired & more capable on "good" days.

In conclusion: mobility aids are great, and I still need to write the essay about how I got over myself enough to start using them.

Comments

[shanaqui]

I wish I could get my dad to a) apply for DLA and b) use a wheelchair. But my mum hates it when he even uses a stick, so I'm gonna guess she's half the problem. Anyway, the point of that is, I'll be interested in said essay.

[redbird]

Sneaky, sneaky inappropriate comparisons: they pop up in so many places.

[vass]

the essay about how I got over myself enough to start using them.

I will be very eager to read an essay on how to get over oneself, whenever you write it.

[jesse_the_k]

Congrats, from another wheelchair user "by choice"

[el_staplador]

<3

(I am reminded of my best friend recounting with great amusement how she, at 28, had persuaded her grandmother, either 82 or 92, that a wheeled walker was really quite a good idea - by lending hers for a trip round the block.)

[ofearthandstars]

♥ Don't forget this! It's like sometimes I think man, my son is doing so much better on these meds and with the therapy, do we need to see someone so often? and the answer is Duh, there is a reason he is doing so much better.

Fill that application out like you own it! (Er, well, you do, I suppose...but you know what I mean, right?)

[azurelunatic]

I was proper delighted when the cane effectively quadrupled my safe walking range.

[dolljoints]

hiya, this is an extremely necro post but a friend linked me your wheelchair guide and i've been browsing a bunch of people's archives for.. uh... (looks at clock) 11 hours now? about wheelchair things. >.>

but i just wanted to say i related to your final line in this. i finally got a walking stick a year and a half ago and it's been transformative, though it's become clear i need a chair too now.

i've found old people either stare at me disapprovingly – more often when they don't use a stick than not, though sometimes when they do – as if to say "i'm so much older than you and yet i don't need this? do you really need that?", or just that sort of.. "you're in the club, hi" look that i had originally come to know through encountering other trans folks on the street.

one time at an airport i managed to strike up conversation with someone sitting next to me on a bench based on the fact that we both had sticks, i talked a bit about the wood mine was made of, etc.

this is rambly, uh >.> i'm totally new here, i just made an account to respond to a bunch of posts i resonated with... hope that's ok >.>