What are common types of mobility equipment?

Why do people use mobility equipment?

Mobility equipment helps people move around. It is for people who find it hard to walk or stand.

Things like wheelchairs, walking sticks, and scooters are mobility tools.

These tools make getting from here to there easier!

If reading is hard, try reading with a friend.

What is a wheelchair?

A wheelchair is a special chair that has wheels. It helps people who cannot walk move around.

Tips to help you understand:

• Look at pictures of wheelchairs to see what they look like.
• Try to say the word: "wheel-chair".
• Ask someone to explain it to you in person if you are still not sure.

What is a walker?

A walker is a tool that helps people walk. It has four legs and is easy to push. People use it for support. Walkers help if someone is weak, hurt, or needs help to move.

What is a mobility scooter?

A mobility scooter is a chair with wheels. It has a battery. You can use it to move around if walking is hard. It is like a small car. People use it to go places.

Helpful tool: You can ask someone to show you how to use it. Practice in a quiet place first.

How do crutches help you move?

Crutches help you walk if your leg, foot, or hip is hurt. They take some weight off your sore leg, making it easier to move.

Here are some steps to use crutches:

• Hold the crutches under your arms tightly.
• Lean on the crutches as you step forward with your good leg.
• Move the crutches and your sore leg forward together.

Using crutches may take practice at first. You can ask a grown-up to help you practice.

If you want more help, you can use pictures or videos that show how to use crutches the right way.

What are the different types of walking canes?

Walking canes are sticks that help people walk. There are different kinds of walking canes. Here are some types you might see:

• Standard Cane: This is a simple stick with a handle. It helps with balance.
• Quad Cane: This cane has four small feet at the bottom. It can stand up by itself and gives more support.
• Folding Cane: This cane can fold up to fit in a bag. It's easy to carry.
• Adjustable Cane: You can change the height of this cane to make it just right for you.

If you or someone you know needs help reading, try using tools like audiobooks or ask a friend to read with you. Drawing pictures of the different canes could also help you remember them better.

What is a rollator?

A rollator is a special walker with wheels.

People use it to help them walk.

A rollator has brakes and a place to sit.

If you need help, ask someone to show you how to use it.

Supportive tools: Try using pictures and videos to understand better.

What Do People Use Knee Scooters For?

Knee scooters help people move around when they hurt their foot or leg. You use it if you can't walk without pain. It helps you get around without using crutches.

To use a knee scooter, you rest your knee on the soft pad and push with your other leg. It has wheels, so it rolls easily. It can be fun like a scooter but helps you when you’re hurt.

Always be careful and get help if you need it. Try using the scooter inside before going outside. You can also watch videos online to learn how to use it safely.

What does a gait trainer do?

A gait trainer is a tool that helps people learn to walk. It is like a special walker.

It has wheels and a frame to help support your body. Gait trainers can help if you need extra help with balance and moving your legs.

If you find it hard to read or understand, you can:

• Ask someone to read it with you.
• Use pictures or videos to learn more about gait trainers.
• Take breaks and read a little at a time.

How do prosthetic devices help people move?

Prosthetic devices are like fake arms or legs. They help people who are missing a real arm or leg. With these special tools, they can walk, run, or do everyday things more easily.

Some people use a prosthetic leg to walk or run. Others use a prosthetic arm to hold or pick things up. These devices make moving around easier.

If you know someone with a prosthetic device, ask them how it helps them move.

People who need help with reading can use pictures or videos to understand better. Reading out loud can also help.

Why do people use standing frames?

A standing frame helps people stand up when they find it hard to do so by themselves. It is like a special chair that you can stand in. It gives support so you don't fall over.

Standing frames are helpful for:

• Getting stronger legs.
• Making it easier to breathe.
• Helping with balance.
• Making bones healthy.

If you need help reading, you can try:

• Reading with a friend or adult. They can help explain.
• Listening to audiobooks or using text-to-speech tools that read words out loud.
• Looking at pictures about standing frames to understand better.

What is a Hoyer lift?

A Hoyer lift is a special tool. It helps people get out of bed or move around. It has a seat or sling for the person to sit in.

This tool is used when a person cannot move by themselves. It keeps them safe and helps helpers move them easily.

If someone needs a Hoyer lift, a doctor or nurse might show how to use it. Sometimes, pictures or videos can help, too!

What is an exoskeleton, and how can it help you move?

An exoskeleton is a special machine that people can wear on their bodies. It is like a robot suit.

This suit can help people move better. It gives support to the body, making it easier to walk or lift things.

Exoskeletons can be very helpful for those who have trouble walking. They support your legs and back to help you stand up and move with ease.

Some people might use a picture guide or a video to understand how exoskeletons work. Asking for help from a teacher or a parent is also a good idea if you have questions.

What is a bariatric mobility device?

A bariatric mobility device is a tool that helps people move around. It is strong and made for bigger and heavier people. It helps them get around more easily and safely.

Some examples of bariatric mobility devices are strong wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters.

These tools make moving easier and keep people active.

Sometimes, talking to a doctor or therapist can help pick the right device.

How do you use a transfer bench?

A transfer bench is a seat that helps people get in and out of the bath or shower. It is useful if you have trouble moving. To use the bench:

• Place the bench so two legs are inside the tub and two legs are outside.
• Sit on the part of the bench outside the tub.
• Carefully lift your legs over the side and move into the tub.
• Sit on the part of the bench inside the tub to wash safely.

Tools or techniques that may help:

• Ask someone to help you if you feel unsure or unsteady.
• Use a non-slip mat to keep from slipping.

How do we use vehicle lifts to help people move?

What is a mobility ramp?

A mobility ramp is a helpful tool.

It is a slope or a flat surface that helps people. It makes it easier for wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to go up or down steps.

Think of it like a bridge that helps us move more easily.

Pictures or videos can help you understand better. Ask someone you trust to explain it to you if you need more help.

How do seat lift chairs help you move?

Seat lift chairs are chairs that help you stand up easily. When you press a button, the chair slowly lifts up. This means you don't have to use a lot of effort to get out of the chair. This can be very helpful if you have trouble standing up on your own.

Here are some tools and tips that can help:

• Use the remote control to lift the seat. It is easy to use.
• Make sure the chair is in a safe place, so you don’t trip when standing up.
• Practice using the chair a few times, so you feel comfortable with it.

What is a stair lift?

A stair lift is a special chair. It moves up and down the stairs. It helps people who find stairs hard to use.

Here is how it works:

• You sit on the chair.
• You press a button.
• The chair gently moves you up or down the stairs.

Stair lifts help people feel safe and independent at home.

Helpful tools and tips:

• Ask someone to show you how to use the stair lift.
• Make sure you have a clear path for the lift to go up and down.
• Take your time and don’t rush.

What are leg braces and how do they help you move?

Leg braces are tools that help people walk. They wrap around your legs to give support and help you stand or walk better.

Leg braces can keep your legs straight and strong. They help you move easier if it's hard to walk.

If you use leg braces, you might also use other helpful tools:

• Walking Stick: This helps you keep your balance.
• Walker: This is a tool with wheels that you can push to help you walk.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises with a teacher to make your legs stronger.