| The reality is that the media and common | | | | Then there's the question of service animals. While |
| misconceptions have lowered expectations for people | | | | laws prevent people from discriminating against |
| with disabilities. Disabled people often have aids such | | | | disabled people on account of service animals, it's |
| as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, medical devices, and | | | | always a good idea to make sure they are well |
| other technology, it's important that these devices | | | | groomed to increase the comfort of those who may |
| be well cared for so as to enhance natural beauty. | | | | be present. It's also worth noting that groomed |
| Mobility aids are items meant to assist a person with | | | | animals tend to have better hygiene. Schools meant |
| some physical activity such as walking. These usually | | | | for service animals and their handlers often include |
| include wheelchairs, walkers, support canes, and | | | | classes on animal care such as brushing, nail clipping, |
| canes specifically for navigation by the blind. All of | | | | dental hygiene, and medical care. Make sure that all |
| these items need to be cleaned on a regular basis. | | | | harnesses and leashes are equally cared for, and that |
| They need to be as free from nicks as possible. | | | | there are hygiene bags for use after the dog or |
| That's not to say that a few nicks here and there | | | | animal has been relieved. Besides an animal's health |
| are of much importance. When a cane or wheelchair | | | | and the look of mobility aids, there's also the question |
| looks like it's been through a war, it might be time to | | | | of personal health and hygiene. |
| give it a make-over or replace it altogether. Most | | | | Many disabled people have conditions that require the |
| mobility aids such as wheelchairs come with a few | | | | use of medical equipment. Always remember to have |
| replaceable parts, or one can order these parts | | | | that equipment on hand at all times in case of |
| separately. White canes for the blind need to be | | | | emergency or just for daily maintenance. Be sure |
| relatively nickless. Some canes are made with | | | | that all equipment has been cleaned or is cleaned on |
| replaceable reflective tape, and other canes are | | | | a daily basis. Any equipment carrying body fluid must |
| simply painted white. For canes painted white, one | | | | be free of leaks as some body fluids aren't |
| could try using a white marker or a little paint to fix | | | | preferable to most noses. To eliminate the problem, |
| up the nicked spot and make it look nicer. Cane tips | | | | it's not a bad idea to regularly flush the equipment if |
| are totally replaceable and so are sections of folding | | | | it's convenient to do so. |
| and telescopic canes. Walkers with wheels that | | | | Disabled people, just like anyone else, are capable of |
| squeak may need some WD40 to relieve everyone's | | | | natural beauty. Making sure that aids, animals, and |
| ears of the annoyance. Keeping these little things in | | | | medical equipment are clean and cared for add pride |
| mind make a huge difference in how disabled people | | | | and confidence to a person's appearance. Confidence |
| are perceived on a daily basis. | | | | breeds success, and success breeds true freedom. |