"How to Jazz up Your Walker"

by Brenda Berube, aka BrendaB


I am 40 years old and have Multiple Sclerosis. I had to use a cane at first, but now I have to use a walker because my balance is so terrible. When I was first told by my neurologist that I needed to start using a walker for safety's sake, I just refused to even think about using one.


Most people have a stigma when it comes to using an assistive device. Like it means you are old or something. I had those stigma's too. The way I overcame it was from suggestions on MSWorld's message board. I am a member of MSWorld. It is for people with MS and people who know someone with MS - or even people who just have questions about MS.


They suggested that I decorate my walker so that when people stare at me, they are really staring at my creative walker and not at me. I made a sign to hang on the front of the walker that says, "This is my RV, my other vehicle is a Lincoln" and underneath that it says, "If this made you smile, chuckle or even laugh then you made my day!"


And under that in small letters it says, "(I am not a nut, just a little crazy sometimes)" I also hung fuzzy dice on it, a bike bell, a side view mirror and a horn. The ideas are endless. But when people see me, they will laugh, not at me (I hope) but at my walker.


It will focus the attention off of me and my disability, which is what I want it to do. It also makes me more approachable by others who feel uncomfortable talking to me because I am disabled. It is an ice breaker for sure.


www.freewebs.com/howtojazzupyourwalker is my Web site which I hope will help you, in some way, to overcome your worries of using your assistive device, and make it more fun to use it. That way you will stay safe. get ideas.


I have also put another page up on this site where I gave some tips for those who are in the market or may be in the market in the future for a power chair or scooter. Hope it is helpful.


I put the bubbles on this site to illustrate the freedom you will have with your mobility issues when you start using your assistive device. The song, "Lean on Me" well, I think that one is pretty self explanatory.

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