The visible nature of wheelchairs often leads to assumptions about an individual’s mobility, with many incorrectly believing that all wheelchair users are entirely unable to walk. However, mobility exists across a broad spectrum, and reliance on a wheelchair does not always signify a complete absence of walking ability. Understanding this nuance is crucial for a more accurate perception of disability and the diverse experiences within the wheelchair user community.
Defining Ambulatory Wheelchair Use
An “ambulatory wheelchair user” refers to an individual who possesses some capacity to walk but utilizes a wheelchair for various reasons. In healthcare, “ambulatory” describes a patient capable of walking, even if only for limited distances, with difficulty, or with assistance. Such individuals might walk short distances within their home, use assisted walking devices, or stand for brief periods. They choose or need a wheelchair to manage chronic pain, conserve energy, prevent falls, or navigate environments more effectively. This distinction is important, as it challenges the common misconception that wheelchair use automatically implies total immobility.
The Percentage of Ambulatory Wheelchair Users
Precise statistics for the percentage of wheelchair users who are ambulatory are challenging to obtain due to variations in definitions and data collection methods. In the United States, approximately 6.6% of wheelchair users are estimated to be ambulatory. In the United Kingdom, about one-third of the 1.2 million wheelchair users are considered ambulatory. These figures indicate that ambulatory wheelchair use is more common than many people realize, suggesting a significant portion of wheelchair users retain some ability to walk.
Why Individuals Who Can Walk May Use Wheelchairs
Individuals who can walk often use wheelchairs for various reasons that enhance their independence and quality of life. One primary reason is energy conservation, particularly for those with chronic fatigue conditions such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), or Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Using a wheelchair allows them to preserve energy for essential daily tasks and activities, preventing severe exhaustion that might otherwise limit their participation in life.
Pain management also accounts for wheelchair use among ambulatory individuals. Conditions like fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, or back injuries can cause debilitating pain when walking or standing. A wheelchair provides a means to reduce this pain, enabling greater mobility and engagement in activities that would otherwise be too painful.
Fall prevention is another significant factor, especially for individuals experiencing dizziness, balance issues, or muscle weakness due to various conditions. A wheelchair offers stability and reduces the risk of falls and associated injuries, providing a safer way to navigate their environment. Furthermore, wheelchairs improve accessibility, allowing individuals to traverse longer distances or navigate environments that would be challenging or impossible to walk through, such as large venues or uneven terrain.
Temporary conditions, such as recovery from surgery or injury, or intermittent conditions where mobility fluctuates daily, also lead to wheelchair use. For example, someone recovering from a broken leg might use a wheelchair for several months. Similarly, individuals with fluctuating neurological conditions might use a wheelchair on days when their symptoms are more pronounced, allowing them to maintain activity levels despite varying physical capabilities.
Fostering a More Inclusive Understanding
Understanding ambulatory wheelchair use is important for challenging stereotypes and promoting a more accurate perception of disability and mobility. Wheelchair use is a personal decision based on individual needs and circumstances, not an indicator of a person’s overall health or ability. It is important to avoid judging or questioning someone’s use of a wheelchair, even if they are seen standing or walking, as people often face discrimination and judgment when seen moving outside their chair.
Mobility exists on a wide spectrum, and mobility aids like wheelchairs are tools that facilitate independence and participation in daily life. They enable individuals to engage in activities they might otherwise miss due to pain, fatigue, or balance issues. Promoting respect for individual choices and recognizing the diversity of experiences within the disability community helps create a more inclusive society.