Don't make assumptions about #disability !

Do not assume a disabled person is feeling better just because they aren't using visible aids or their usual aids. We aren't magically cured when we aren't using our walking aids, just like our eyesight doesn't magically improve when we aren't wearing our glasses. Aids & support can be invisible, just like contact lenses, or we might be struggling more if we are unable to use visible aids.

Glasses & Walking aids (canes, wheelchairs etc) can both be considered mobility aids. They both help us to get around more easily, prevent injury & give the user independence, so why do we see them so differently, especially within the younger population. Glasses are more common & something we just accept without question so why can’t we accept walking aids in the same way.

Never in my 10 years of wearing glasses have I had someone assume my eyesight has improved because I’m not wearing my glasses, people know eyesight doesn’t usually work like that so either assume I’m wearing contacts or that it’s difficult for me to see certain things.

I wish people would see walking aids, be that a stick, rollator or wheelchair in the same way. I cannot tell you how many times people have said things like ‘oh, no stick today, glad you’re feeling better’ often when I am feeling anything but better and it’s frustrating as hell. So instead of assuming someone's pain, mobility issues or disability has magically disappeared when they don’t have their usual walking aid, start questioning your assumptions.

What is an assumption you've made or had made about your disability which you would like challenged? Let me know in the comments.

#BabeWithAMobilityAid #DisabilityEducation #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabledLife #MobilityAids #WalkingAid #WalkingStick #DisabilityPride #AmbulatoryWheelchairUser #AmbulatoryWheelchairUsersExsist #MobilityAidsAreFreedom #Disability #Disabled #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #ChronicIllnessAwareness #EDS #DisabilityEducation

[VRE]

I agree with this so much, it's frustrating when people assume my conditions are healed or I'm all better just because my body changes everyday and I have to adjust differently so thank you for sharing the struggle of that!

[judithlashbrook]

great to see you again and hear the important message you're sharing!

[jacquelinemolloy]

I get this issue from the Job centre. Some days I'm not walking well and I'm really struggling to make a step. And some days I can walk with my walker almost perfect. That is until the job centre say to me "are we having a bad day" and I say no why are you. And I thought I was doing so well.

I have a bit of an issue with the job centre. Despite the doctors and the physio and occupational health writing letters to the job centre saying I am not fit for work, the job centre argue that I am because I went to the shops.

[Captain_Pink]

I think your explanation at the end got cut

[LF-tumy]

Oh but you look so good, it can't be that bad etc blah boring