#Rollators

[a-totally-reasonable-username]

Mobility aids are a good thing. They exist to help people. That's why they're called aids.

[chronicallycouchbound]

As someone who uses a cane, crutches, rollator, wheechair, and powerchair— I’m here to let you know:

If using a mobility aid helps you, you’re allowed to use it!

If it doesn’t help you, or you don’t end up needing it, donate it back to the community! No harm no foul!

[cripplecharacters]

I have a character with a congenital heart defect which prevents her from walking long distances or standing for long periods of time.

I'm wondering if she would be an ambulatory wheelchair user (she has no 'mobility' issues other than the heart defect) or if she would be more likely to use a rolator? (she really CAN'T walk more than 500-ish ft/stand for more than 7-8 minutes without having issues, so she'd be being pushed in the rolator seat, which is what made me think a wheelchair would probably be a more practical choice).

I'm also wondering if there's any sort of harmful stereotypes I should be sure to avoid?

Hi asker!

She could definitely be an ambulatory wheelchair user and also have a rollator. But for the purpose of sitting down, which is what she would need the most, a rollator isn't as effective.

Someone who uses a rollator can maybe get pushed a little if it's really needed, but they are not designed to move while someone is sitting on them and it's not recommended at all. They aren't generally strong enough to have that be possible with any sort of durability, and might not be safe enough for letting the person stay well-seated while in motion — what they're made for is for being a walking aid, with the option to sit down if needed.

There are a couple rollators that also turn into wheelchairs. I specifically know of the Wheellator, which can have power assist while it's a rollator and can turn into a power wheelchair, and the Rollz Motion, which has a couple different models. The Motion 2.1 and Motion Performance turn into a transport chair that looks like it needs to be pushed by someone else, the Motion Electric turns into a power wheelchair as well as being able to be used as a transport wheelchair pushed by someone else.

The Wheellator specifically states: "The Wheellator is a Motirized [sic] Walker that turns into a Motorized Wheelchair.  For your comfort, it is designed to be used primarily as a walker and turns into a wheelchair when needed. If you are considering this item to use mainly as a wheelchair and sometimes as a walker, we suggest purchasing a Motorized Wheelchair instead of, or in addition to the Wheellator." Essentially, even though it turns into a wheelchair, the frame and cushioning work better for occasional wheelchair use rather than primary wheelchair use.

The Rollz Motion doesn't specify as much, but it seems to be marketed as a rollator that can turn into a wheelchair as well — rollator being its primary use.

Basically, if she mostly needs to sit down, she would need a wheelchair, not a rollator, as the rollator would not be enough. She would benefit from a powerchair or power assist if she can't push herself or if it's difficult for her.

Hope this helps,

mod sparrow

[goldkirk]

I am SO hyped. Have you guys seen folding cup holders for mobility aids? THEY DON’T STICK OUT WHEN NOT IN USE!

[cripplemetal]

i'm so excited to get decorations for my future rollator! i already have a specific look in mind, and i ordered a few things.

it will have a cup holder! and a cane holder!

so, question to all rollators users: how else can i make it more convenient? like, modifications for additional functions. thank you!!!

[arctic-hands]

Protip: if you're using a cane or crutch or rollator and an abled starts giving you flak or making fun of you, you now have a weapon in your hands

[bruhautism]

question for physically disabled or chronically ill people with mobility aids or with no mobility aids

tldr: can i use a mobility aid as an abled autistic person who experiences fatigue, balance/stability issues, sways more than normal when standing, and get more than occasional slight body aches? (feel like i have to explain myself)

Im abled but i feel like i could benefit from mobility aids but it feels like i’m invading or something

i’m autistic and sometimes struggle with standing, i sway sometimes (i think more than the average person does), and i struggled with balance and coordination sometimes. I also struggle with fatigue. i find myself not going out because i’m just too tired to walk the whole time or stay standing. my legs get tired easy, i get tired easy. i stay in the house or in the car majority of the time.

my body also feels uncomfortable, like sort of achy, but i feel like i’m being dramatic about that and everyone feels that way. it’s probably just like when you tell a kid a bandaid fixes the pain and they believe it. idk the word. it starts with a p i think. it’s probably just my bra or like the way i eat. whatever, my point is i don’t feel good a lot, even if i don’t feel sick, i feel achy.

i want to use a mobility aid but i feel like i’m invading if that makes sense. i feel like i don’t really need it, i know i don’t need it, but i think it would really help. but i can’t really afford to see a doctor about it either.

i want to know what the physically disabled community thinks because i feel i need permission to use one.

i feel sorta like a faker or imposter.

i’m sorry if this is offensive to ask

[neuroticboyfriend]

do any rollator/cane/crutch users have advice for what to do when your shoes make ur mobility aid too short? its on the highest height option and trying to holding on is making my back spasm :(

edit: turns out its not as short if i stop hyperextending my back and knees but ow i dont have the strength

(rb to boost?)

[zebulontheplanet]

Hi mobility aid users! Reblog this with pics of your mobility aids. Show them off!

[somniphobicfox]

Hello! I'm thinking of getting a mobility aid but I'm not sure which is right for me.

If you're comfortable with it, can you describe your disability and the mobility aid(s) that you use, along with how they help with your condition? I think it would give me an idea on what I would be comfortable with.

Reblog for boost :)

[akii-exe]

REMINDER.

It’s okay to need a mobility device if you’re young.

It’s okay to need a cane

It’s okay to need a walker/rollator

ITS OKAY to need a wheelchair, or to use the riding carts in stores

Age does not matter. Use what you need.

[chronicallycouchbound]

I successfully convinced a toddler at the food bank that my rollator is a racecar so today is a win

[cripplecharacters]

hi! i'm in process with my book, and i really wanna give one of the antagonists a rollator as his main aid. i'm disabled, i use a cane, but i daydream about rollator so. that's why.

the question is. what conditions in your mind lack representation? i have no problem with researching, but i lowkey don't want to just give him my experience. thank you!

anon MM

Thank you for your ask! Personally I believe every disability lacks representation, as disability shows up extremely infrequently in media and even when it does it’s often shallow and poorly represented.

One thing I’ve noticed in media is that when someone uses a mobility aid it’s often due to an old injury, amputation or muscle weakness. There’s nothing wrong with giving a character one of these, I just think it would be cool to see someone using an aid due to a limb difference, a heart or lung issue, a brain condition, or to help with fatigue or dizziness. There are a lot of reasons for someone to use an aid and I’d like to see them represented!

Here’s a short list of disabilities I’ve never seen represented that could cause someone to use a rollater:

camurati-engelmann’s disease

congenital genu recurvatum calcaneovalgus

bilateral peroneal neuropath

nail-patella syndrome

tetralogy of fallot

arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

cardiomyopathy

You don’t have to use them, but since your question can also be read as asking for specific underrepresented conditions we decided to include them :) (smiley face)

Before I finish, I noticed you said that the aid was for an antagonist. Please make sure that you aren’t falling into the disabled villain trope by giving some of the protagonist characters disabilities as well. Keep in mind your antagonist also shouldn’t be the only character with an aid or visible difference (if you choose a condition that causes visible differences).

Have a nice day!

Mod Rot

[an--artistic--autistic]

I HAVE ACQUIRED A ROLLATOR 🎉🎉🎉

[ultravioletjester]

Keiko @recalledrobot with their rollator & respirator 💞

I do pay what you can commissions like this for disabled folks with their medical / assistive devices!! Check ‘em out here xx

[anonymouslydisabled]

Things disabled people wish you knew about mobility aids!

I am more mobile with my mobility aid than without.

Stop asking me when I'll get better.

When I don't have a mobility aid and am using a shopping cart, do not take it, I am leaning on it so I can be on my feet longer.

Stop asking me why I need a mobility aid when we're strangers.

I decorate my cane, it feels like a part of me, please give me space to feel sad when I have to replace it.

People will walk into me or gotten very close, please don't stare at your phone while you walk.

Mobility aids are not depressing.

Mobility aids help us to live fuller and more independent lives with less symptoms.

I love my mobility aids! I don't want the focus of my treatment to be getting rid of them, I want it to be improving my symptoms.

Mobility aids don't have to be boring and plain. A mobility aid being decorated doesn't mean I don't need it!

I don't need help unless I ask for it.

Disability isn't taboo, let your kids be curious and ask questions.

Stop moving my mobility aid(s) without asking me. My mobility aid(s) are an extension of my body.

I don't just use my mobility aid for shits and giggles, I need it. It is not for show it is not for attention and implying it is is incredibly ableist.

People use mobility aids differently, some people use their mobility aids all the time and some people don't. I don't need my mobility aid 24/7.

I switch sides with my cane and constantly have to worry about being fake claimed when in reality I just need it for both of my legs.

I'm still disabled even though I'm fat and have invisible disabilities.

I'm still disabled and in pain even when I'm not using any mobility aids.

I'm not a baby, I'm not just fat, I'm not just weak. I am disabled and I like to think I'm stronger than most non-disabled people.

It's really weird to make comments or gestures when I'm in my wheelchair. If you wouldn't say it to someone who doesn't have a wheelchair don't say it to me.

Don't bend down to talk to me it's hella weird. Just talk to me like you would talk to anybody shorter than you.

Just because I'm not using my mobility aid doesn't mean I'm suddenly better!

I'm just as disabled when I'm not using my mobility aid.

Going a few days without my mobility aid doesn't mean I'm no longer disabled.

Just because I don't always need my mobility aid does not make it a toy.

Mobility aids can be incredibly helpful and we shouldn't have to be embarrassed to use them.

If I'm in my electric wheelchair and I'm in front of an aisle you need to get to just let me know, don't reach over my lap like I'm not a person.

If you don't step out of my way as a wheelchair user I am going to hit you, that's not a threat, it just will happen. You have a lot more maneuverability than I do.

If I'm using my mobility aid, you can be respectful and accomodate me without making it a thing. I know my limits and capabilities. Using a cane does not make me weak or helpless.

It's really funny seeing you guys jump to get out of the way when I use my cane, the space is appreciated, but it's still really funny to see the look on your face.

Please stop praying for my "recovery" there is none!

My rollator gives me freedom! I can go more places without having to worry about a lack of seating. I can actually walk faster with it than without it.

My mobility aid shouldn't be a horrifying last resort, it helps me so much, even when I'm not at my absolute worst!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much to everybody who participated! Happy disability pride month everyone!