Assistive Devices
Assistive Devices and who uses them?
Not everyone chooses to use assistive devices, but when they do they often cost a lot of money even with medical insurance. It's important that we keep our minds open to other's experiences instead of assuming what we would do given the situation.
Non-Ambulatory users
Ambulatory is a word we use to distinguish the ways in which you may see or experience others using an assistive device like a wheelchair or walking assistive device.
Non-Ambulatory individuals are those who may use these methods of assistive movement for the inability to walk and move on their own (without such devices).
This also means that when non-ambulatory people are in a position where their assistive device may be damaged, they are put into a position where they could lose their freedom and safety. We should always use our voices to stand up for those around us who are treated with carelessness when in need of assistance.
Everyone's experience is going to be different and the kinds of devices they choose to help may vary. None of these decisions change the ways in which our world is inaccessible and dangerous for those who are not able-bodied.
Ambulatory users
Ambulatory means that someone is physically able, during certain times, to walk and be mobile on their own; however, their need for wheelchairs or assistive devices is not affected by this fact.
When we see ambulatory individuals who also use assistive devices, it's important to act the same way you would someone who needs their assistive device to function at all. This means that recognizing the need for keeping the assistive device safe from damage.
Many ambulatory assistive device users are those who are trying to avoid serious injury, further worsening of their condition, or to provide intermittent support during times of need. It is not our place to question or degrade someone on their use of both ambulatory walking or movement and movement assisted by a device.
Everyone's use of their assistive devices may be different, and its okay that this occurs.
Certified Service Animals
Service animals come in all shapes and sizes.
When present with someone who has a Service Animal, it is Not Appropriate to:
Ask them why they have a service animal.
Ask them for documentation that the animal is a service animal, such paperwork does not exist.
Talk about need or requirements for service animals.
Touch their service animal without their distinct permission or request.
Engage their animal in anyway, even if this means redirecting children.
When present with someone who has a Servce Animal, it is Appropriate to:
Explain to younger children (if they are with you) as to why that animal's job is important and we have to give them the space to do their job. (Make it an awesome learning moment!)
Stand up and Speak up if service animal (and their owner's) rights are being violated by others.
Ask the service animal's name if you have been given the opportunity to interact with the owner.
When you believe or know there is any emergency due to an Alert from a Service Dog:
(At any point you are no longer needed, remove yourself and don't openly discuss the event. Call 911 immediately or ask for assistance from bystanders to call 911.)
Immediately assess the owner for injury, unconsciousness, seizure, pulse, breath sounds.
Alert management of the establishment.
Politely ask the people near by to clear the area for some more personal space.
If the owner is unconscious or unable, find the name of the service animal and talk to them about how things are okay.
You can reassure the service animal and assist professionals as needed.
(If you are in a place where help is taking a little more time) Stay with the person and Service Animal, until help arrives, & ask if anyone around you can provide professional medical help.
If a person is unconscious please elevate their head/chest and make sure their air way is open.
Remind yourself that this may seem traumatic or sudden to you, but their service animal may be providing them with this support regularly. It is not our place to make more or less out of a situation that is not ours.
Hearing Assistive Devices
ASL & _SL, Hearing Aids, Interpreters, Cochlear Implants, etc.
Not all people will choose the same thing for their experience with hearing loss.
Making sure you are always speaking at a easily listening tone, while intentinally making your point. If you are able to learn ASL from people who are deaf or CODAs then you should do so!
CODA: Child of a Deaf Person
Sight Assistive
Devices
Glasses, Virtual Reading-Assistance, Canes, etc.
Sight can be affected in several different ways. Whether you are effected partially or fully you may choose any type of treatment that best works for you.
There are work environment changes that can make sight impairment a core accessibility goal of the workplace.
Sensory Assistive Devices:
Choosing the proper treatment is a very personal decision when it comes to the senses. We know that some of these assistive devices can be expensive and unattainable.