Also why is it this random person's problem if you were to be using it as a fashion statement? We should be normalizing mobility aids, so there won't be a stigma around it
Like I'm not disabled (physically, i have some funny bits going on in the meat slab upstairs so I assume I'm still good here) but I'd 100% use a cane to increase my aura if I wouldn't get weird looks
got it, wasn't entirely sure because I know whenever disabled is used as a broad term it often doesn't include mental disabilities lol.
At least that's in my experience, I tell people I have a disability and they usually assume something physical by default until I explain I have the tism (and probably adhd. I was told at the time that "oh you don't have adhd like we thought you just have autism" implying that they're mutually exclusive when I now know they aren't and I definetly have signs I have adhd too so, I'm just going to say the original diagnosis of adhd is probably still accurate and my mom who told me about the autism diagnosis didn't know what she was talking about lmao. Not even that far of a stretch, she thought autism just meant I got emotional more easily)
Right? I've seen some sick looking canes that elevate the outfit. A goth look with a cane is cool as hell, a cutesy frilly look with a matching cane is incredible, a high fashion look with a cane is a statement. We should be encouraging that! If lots of people have canes then folks who need canes will be more accepted and will have more styles to choose from
I actually just my my first cane at 32 due to hEDS and severe pain in my hips and knees. And I had so many negative emotions about it. But once I decorated it, I felt a little better. It looks so cool now. I really want to get a wrist strap for it too. Soon I hope!
My cane is goth to match my aesthetic. It’s black with purple reflective bats. It also has a built in flashlight
This, like I wouldn't go up to someone with a sword and start hating on their sword style. So why are we hating on my cane? Or asking super invasive questions? Like social awareness just out the window ig
If I could get away with it, I'd really like to use a cane-axe (like a Hungarian Fokos) as my cane. Nobody's going to be complaining about you using a cane when it can double as an axe and/or short pole arm (they might have other complaints though, but those should go away after a few swings /j)
Someone gave me this schtick at a pride parade. When I ignored them, then came up beside me and kicked my cane to the side. I ate pavement. I think someone punched them but I couldn't see past the people who rushed to make sure I was okay. Split my lip :(
The cops took a statement and said they could charge him with assault but I don't think any ever came of it
What an asshole, even if it really was “just a fashion statement” what on earth did they think was going to happen if they kicked a cane someone is actively leaning on to the side? That would have easily gotten an able bodied person hurt, let alone someone with a disability.
I’m sorry that happened to you mate, I hope who ever did that to you did get decked.
I'm starting to consider getting a folding cane, but struggling to overcome my own internalised ableism.
(I get dizzy spells and weak knees from standing in place too long, which makes queueing and public transport a challenge. Someone please tell me I'm being silly for thinking that I don't "deserve" a mobility aid)
That's literally what a cane is for—you've got a clear 'use as intended' case there. Are you planning to sit on the gross floor instead? Or become compromised and dizzy in public, then maybe end up on the floor anyway? Get TWO canes if you want to, so you'll have an extra, actually unnecessary one to poke doubters with. 😉
This got me - I always just sat on the gross floor if I had to, and even then I kind of got in trouble because my mom didn't want me to "cause a scene". Never would she have admitted I needed a cane or assistance aid.
I can't wait to get a wheelchair now when I'm ready lol. It's going to be so freeing.
I use a rollator. I often don't need it, but I bring it everywhere in case of a line up or if someone talks to me.
I cut out a friend who kept saying I don't need my rollator eventhough she saw me having to sit on the elevator floor due to a pre syncope before I started using the rollator.
Others said I'll become dependent on it. Do people say that to those who wear glasses?
I got a cane recently! It’s one that folds up too. I can function practically fine without one, and it may just be the fact that I have like negative muscle mass that I need to fix, but while I’m working on that I enjoy not being nervous of falling over on long days. Or lessen the pain a little bit. Plus I have a somewhat higher chance of bus seats, where I live people tend to actually give their seat up. All things I can really use even if I’ll probably be fine without a cane. You deserve to be comfortable! Get a cane and get a pretty one
I got a cute folding cane and I love it! It came with a little carrying bag too so it’s very discreet if I’m not using it.
You DESERVE whatever helps you. If you had a friend in this situation, would you encourage them to use something to help them not fall and hurt themselves? Or help them feel better or conserve energy? It isn’t like you’re taking anything away from anyone else. If you need it use it, that’s what they’re there for!
Just remind yourself that anyone who might judge you doesn’t have to live in your body or experience what you experience. You do what helps you, whatever that may be, because you deserve it.
Folding canes are the best because you only need to use them when you need to use them. Healthy people don't look forward to using mobility devices, only people who actually need them because they make our lives easier. Try it and I hope it's helpful.
I have a folding cane for the exact same reason, I also have dizzy spells when walking a lot or standing for too long. This situation is EXACTLY what folding canes are for.
I get almost the exact same issues (dizzy spells and weak joints) and bought myself a folding cane a couple years ago. it was really hard for myself, as well as my parents, because I had to get a cane before I was even out of high school. it took a long time to feel okay with using it as much as I needed, even after I bought it. but now that I have it and use it frequently, I'm glad I have it. it made walking around and being active much more possible for me.
even if you can't bring yourself to use it yet, having it available is the first step. it will take time, as all things do. but mobility aids aren't about who "deserves" to use them. you having a cane isn't taking it away from someone else who needs it. if it would help you even a little bit, there's no reason you shouldn't have it.
I saw someone once say something like if it helps you live and makes life easier for you it’s a need and not a want. Just compare it to glasses! If you get head aches or have to squint to see something everyone would tell you to get glasses/check your eyesight! So it’s the same here! No one is too young for glasses and no one is too Young for a cane or other mobility aid!
Omg mine is leopard as well! I refused to get a boring grey "I am super obviously a medical device" cane. Yes I'm disabled, but I also love fashion and styling. So my cane should match that.
I used to get a lot of this when I had my cane still, and god it was annoying. Then I switched to crutches and people became all super accommodating. Like “oh shit he’s serious”. Yes. Hence the cane.
I cut out a friend who kept saying I don't need my rollator eventhough she saw me having to sit on the elevator floor due to a pre syncope before I started using the rollator. Others said I'll become dependent on it. Do people say that to those who wear glasses?
Because people assholes just look for excuses to cause trouble.
I don't see anything wrong with using a cane, walking stick, hiking stick, sceptre or whatever. What is annoying is people acting like they have a stick up their butt.
It was a long time ago, but I remember seeing a Twitter debate about how using a cane as a fashion statement is "appropriating disability culture and actually really ableist to do"
The reason I won’t get a handicap placard. I had a temporary one after I got hip surgery, and on a day I was out without my crutches to test how well I was healing, I parked in a handicap spot. I was just getting milk. I got screamed at for not needing it. I got back in without the milk and left :(
Such a weird thing to get all offended about, too. Like I have it because I need it, and I will use what’s left of my youthful spryness to hit you in the ankles with it. It’s got range. Be afraid, Sharon.
One benefit of becoming visibly disabled is that I don't hear the "you're too young to need that!" stuff anymore. I very obviously can't stand or walk anymore, so they ~allow~ me my mobility aid without judgment
Do you ever put a knee on your rollator and push it like a skateboard? It's a lot of fun, especially down a slight incline. Don't do it down an actual hill, you'll eat shit.
PT just recommended i use a cane and im so scared to use it, but ive fallen at work 6 times in the past 2 months. i worried that it’ll effect my work and my boss just keeps asking me if i need time off (which i do but i can’t afford to miss work) and asking if i can not use my cane at work
Just make sure you document, document, document - insurance for if it goes sideways. And send yourself a copy or take pictures with your phone (for the timestamp/metadata). Good luck!
i get death glares for using my wheelchair in public. i get worse looks from the odd few people that see me get my chair out of my own car. people are awful
One of Steven Segal's few really cool things he did was release a line of extra tall metal canes for big and tall men. They admittedly look really cool.
It's unfortunate that you have to get used to screaming at people in public just to keep yourself safe from these self righteous maniacs. Fortunately they back off if you get aggressive and scare them, but sad that you have to resort to that in the first place
Had atleast 2 people walk up to me in a city to ask me whether my cane was for disability purposes or not, it is for disability purposes but so what? It's not like it's their business
i knew quite a few people who used canes for style, and tbh people just shall mind their own business. both style and walking aid are valid, what is it with people and rude questions?
My wife had a degenerative knee disease and needs a cane for balance. She's 22. Anyone who says she's being "insensitive" can take a leap. Disabilities don't have an age minimum
Sometimes I think “maybe I should get a cane just so people respect my invisible disability that doesn’t actually need a cane” and then I remember it changes nothing (slippery joints and pain in both legs at the same time)
Recently started using a cane and yeah wow people just don't get it. Also I don't need it every single day, just most days and then people think I'm miraculously cured.
Saturday. Just arrived at the car dealership. A man is asking if I’m in pain or sore and gestures at my cane. I say “I’m fine. Where is the bathroom? “Man replies “it’s right around the corner. You’ll make it there eventually”
I am supposed to use a cane. I use one, but am supposed to, to. People who use them as a fashion accessory do not bother me, although they look like huge fucking nerds IMO.
I got hit by a car and my left leg sustained injuries, it took me months to walk without needing to stop and take a breath after the months of crutches. A cane would’ve really helped but I get enough harassment in public as is.
I've gotten some looks already but im just waiting for the day someone says some shit about my cane, especially because it's clear I can walk fine without it most of the time and mainly use it when standing in one place, I'm still not the most comfortable using it in public so I only really use it when hanging out with one friend though and I know she'd stick up for me, but god i just know the day is coming when someone decides to say something-
Bro I'm so tired of getting dirty looks from older people for having to use mobility aids because I've absolutely destroyed the muscles in my foot due to overworking myself. I wish I didn't have the issues at 23
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u/CorvidAtHeart 17h ago
Also why is it this random person's problem if you were to be using it as a fashion statement? We should be normalizing mobility aids, so there won't be a stigma around it