National Mobility Awareness Month: Life Moving Forward

5/20/2021

National Mobility Awareness Month is observed during the month of May. National Mobility Awareness Month encourages people with disabilities to embody the spirit of Life Moving Forward by raising awareness of the mobility solutions available in your community. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and MobilityWorks take part in celebrating the Annual National Mobility Awareness Month

This year’s theme for Mobility Awareness Month encourages an international campaign to highlight how people with disabilities are able to overcome physical boundaries. May is all about celebrating independence and growing solutions to create fewer boundaries.

Over 18 million people live with mobility issues. Among older Americans, mobility challenges are the most common disability. By raising awareness of mobility issues, the development of solutions is encouraged and progress is acknowledged. Mobility issues shouldn’t stop anyone from getting to their destination.

People with disabilities can drive or ride in a safe and comfortable way through increasing developments in automotive equipment options and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Some of the developments include driving controls that allow you to operate foot pedals by hand and fully-converted wheelchair accessible vehicles. Check out the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association to discover products so no one has to miss out on any moments or adventures.

If you have a child with mobility issues, take the time this month to read about the different rights children with disabilities have in public schools. Accommodations should be readily available because of:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Every educational institution is required to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) – A civil rights statute that protects students with disabilities against discrimination in schools. Schools are required to offer reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, including action such as seating in front of the classroom, testing that is not timed and provision of necessary services.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – This federal law determines which students are eligible for special needs services in schools.

By educating ourselves on the rights available to those with disabilities and finding resources and equipment to help mobility, less obstacles will prevent people from living their lives to the fullest.

Resources:
www.NationalMobilityAwarenessMonth.com
https://nmeda.org/mobility-awareness-month/
https://nmeda.org/nmam/
https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/beneficial-services-for-physically-disabled-students-in-schools

3 Comments

Steve Smith link

1/14/2023 05:04:47 am

I found it interesting when you said that there are growing resolution for people who needs mobility products. My aunt is having difficulties walking because of her weak knees. We are planning to rent an electric scooter for her to enjoy our family vacation. I'm grateful for your advice about consulting express mobility services about the assistance that we need.

taurus link

1/31/2023 02:05:49 pm

For a typical mother, seeing her own child singing or playing is sufficient to remove every one of the concerns and fatigue that gathered as the day progressed. There will try and be cases when she won't feel any aggravation whatsoever regardless of whether she is under treatment. I surmise kids make that difference. However, an alternate story for individuals could do without kids. I used to be that way. Whenever I see a youngster, I stay as distant from them as could be expected. On one occasion I found a new line of work in a school and even before I saw it, I started to like children more.

Jutta Casseles

4/24/2024 07:54:26 pm

Hi. I was a public school teacher for at-risk students for 30 years and now I work remotely as a Program Mentor for first-time at-risk University students. There are many professionals with Mobility concerns, including myself. However, thee individuals don't often disclose or readily share their disability. There is still a considerable stigma attached to mobility and disabilities overall. I am attending an out of town conference soon. I have taken a deep breath, and moved out of my comfort zone by asking for the help I need to be able to navigate the agenda that will be presented there. This includes wheelchair access at the airport, asking for an ADA approved room, and renting a scooter while I am there to get around. It will take me out of my comfort zone for sure. I am at a point in my condition that if I don't ask for the assistance I need I will not be able to participate in so many things. I encourage you to be brave if this speaks to you or someone you know. It can be quite humbling, as one example, for someone who used to function on their own. Nevertheless it is directly related to awareness and that is key toward making disabilities inclusive in our various communities, including the workplace!

Perspectives