Changing Perception of Disability Equipment a Positive Perception
The benefits of disability equipment are limitless, and those that use them daily can attest to their importance.
For these individuals, the equipment is a means to freedom and independence to do their tasks outdoors or indoors at home. Having the right equipment is incredibly empowering and enabling to them.
They can flawlessly and effortlessly perform their duties as comfortably as possible.
However, it is heart-breaking to note that some unhealthy negative connotations are attached to the term disability equipment. The term disability elicits a feeling of helplessness and could trigger perceptions of stigma, dependency, or aging.
Even worse, it gives a sense that somebody using the equipment is broken, or something is not right with them. The equipment part of the term further makes people think of mechanical things. Unappealing and scary instruments that nobody would want to embrace or attribute to their daily lives.
Nevertheless, with time, manufacturers have made significant steps in product development, making this equipment more hospitable. They are now a better reflection of the freedom, independence, and control that they can offer the users.
They focus more on optimizing personal abilities and minimizing environmental barriers. The users become more enabled and in control.
So, is it still right to give this equipment a negative feel while they have such a huge positive influence? Terming them as disability equipment totally contradicts their sole purpose and steals the positive vibe.
Moreover, these items have become the order of the day, and those that use them no longer embrace the disability aspect. Their image and user profile have changed over the years, as presented by the manufacturers. They are now viewed more as aids.
Mobility Aids
Mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames help their users to navigate their environment and the wider world with more freedom and independence.
With technology, these aids can be designed to cater to individual needs with the needed adaptation. This means you can use a customized design that best suits your lifestyle.
The customization could reflect the weight, shape, storage options, drive systems for powered wheelchairs, or adjustable features on walking frames.
The walking aids are furthermore accessible and come at affordable prices than before. Even better, the stigma aspect is off since their purchase is not restricted to a specialist medical supplier.
Moreover, the wide variety and customization of these aids offer more options to support different lifestyles while reducing the restrictions and dependence attributed to the term disability.
Safety and Daily Living Aids
There is a wide variety of aids that improve the safety and independence of users in their daily activities. For instance, those with complex needs have a wide range of mobility beds at their disposal with features to optimize ability and comfort.
There is also bathroom equipment and household aids that provide individuals with the means and freedom to do their daily tasks.
These aids arm the users with independence and control over their environment, enabling them to do what they love.
Conclusion
While some people might not see the flaw in the term disability equipment, it is imperative to look at the bigger picture.
The term outrightly gives a negative perception and does not reflect the positive image of these aids.
With limitless independence, control, increased choice of tasks, and improved accessibility, the equipment deserves a better term.