How Mobility Products are Helping the Disabled Community

Copyright (c) 2009 Steven Holmes

With so many people struggling just to live a normal life in their own homes, it is no wonder that innovative companies are coming up with practical idea after practical idea to make the lives of these people a little easier to handle. People with limited mobility, such as the elderly or the disabled, are able to function better with their day to day activities thanks to some clever devices and pieces of mobility equipment. Without these mobility aids many of them would be completely dependent on the help of others.

Walk in baths are one example of an innovative solution to a problem experienced by many elderly and disabled people every day. The risks and difficulties associated with getting in and out of the bath stop many people with limited mobility from doing it. Walk in baths, however, have been designed to allow a bath to be taken in comfort and safety. Rather than risking injury stepping over a high edge, as is the case with standard baths, walk-in baths allow entry via a sealable door which removes all element of hazard. Walk-in Baths will usually have a seat, which is situated at a height that makes getting in and out of the bath easier and alleviates the need for placing heavy stress on muscles and joints. Although showers provide a reduced risk option for bathing, they do not offer the therepeutic benefits of a hot bath.

Wheelchair adapted cars are another solution to a problem, for drivers with reduced mobility. These vehicles, typically converted people carriers or other high-sided cars, provide a number of solutions and driving formats that enable people with almost any disability to drive. Many of these adapted cars enabled people with limited motor function to drive using sophicticated hand controls instead of pedals. Wheelchair adapted cars can also be fitted with a number of devices for helping the driver in an out of the car with relative ease.

These inventions, along with many others such as stair lifts, electric wheelchairs and other walking aids, modified home appliances and hearing aids have helped millions of people with disabilities to reclaim some of their independence and enjoy a better quality of life. Improvements in manufacturing processes, and advances in technology and materials have seen the sophistication of mobility aids improve immeasurably. Billions of pounds is spent every year by mobility specialists researching new ways in which they can assist the disabled community. Although, like almost every other industry on the planet, the mobility market is cut-throat and driven by profit, the positive difference that the companies within it are making to the lives of so many makes them one of the good guys.