today for disability pride month, i’d like to discuss something not many able-bodied people know about: ambulatory wheelchair users!
first, “what is an ambulatory wheelchair user?”
it’s a term used to describe people who use wheelchairs that can stand and or walk in some capacity. the amount a person can walk can vary greatly between ambulatory wheelchair users, some may need their wheelchair 60% of the time, some may need theirs 90% of the time.
“why would someone use a wheelchair if they can walk?”
there are tons of reasons someone who can walk might use a wheelchair, such as fatigue, balance, heart problems, pain, fainting, and many, many more. it could be dangerous for them to walk.
“isn’t that being lazy?”
nope! take shoes, for example. you *could* walk without them, but it would be painful, and could give you cuts or blisters. would you consider wearing shoes to be lazy? also, many disabilities and conditions are progressive, using a wheelchair can help slow progression and damage to your body.
so next time you see a wheelchair user move their leg, remember that ambulatory wheelchair users exist!
