{
  "id": 18923398,
  "title": "No One Should Be Shamed for Using a Mobility Aid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/no-one-should-be-shamed-for-using-a-mobility-aid",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T11:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/11/08/no-one-should-be-shamed-for-using-a-mobility-aid/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Using a mobility aid shouldn't be a concern or a source of shame. These devices serve as extensions of the body, enabling individuals with disabilities to engage more fully in society. However, despite the life-changing impact mobility aids can have, they are often met with heavy stigma and negative attitudes. A 2024 study in Disability and Health Journal surveyed 60 wheelchair users, revealing feelings of being \"patronized\" and intrusive questions from others. This stigma is particularly pronounced for those with invisible disabilities, which account for 70% to 80% of all disabilities. These disabilities are frequently misunderstood, and people may feel compelled to hide their need for assistance, leading to a restricted quality of life. Josie Tang, a 21-year-old artist from Cornwall, England, uses various mobility aids to manage hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Despite their exhausting symptoms, Tang openly shares their experiences with mobility aids on social media to help others understand their condition. Unfortunately, Tang has encountered discriminatory comments, both online and in person. Similar experiences have been reported by Dr. Julie Hershberg, a clinical associate professor of physical therapy. Hershberg helped a teenager with severe postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome attend a Taylor Swift concert using a modified wheelchair that partially reclined. However, many of Hershberg's patients are deterred from using mobility aids due to negative messages from peers and family members, who fear being perceived as disabled or judged for their limitations. As the number of people with disabilities has risen—increasing from 41 million in 2019 to nearly 46 million in 2024—normalizing the use of mobility aids becomes increasingly important. COVID-19 has further exacerbated the issue, creating a new population of people with invisible disabilities, including those who develop Long COVID. These conditions pose significant challenges, as energy-limiting illnesses require careful management of limited energy resources. Using a wheelchair can be life-changing for those with conditions like ME/CFS and Long COVID. However, society's expectation that individuals should \"look disabled enough\" can create barriers to access and acceptance.",
  "summary": "People with disabilities deserve the basic dignity of using the tools that support our bodies without fear of being judged or harassed, writes Nicole Clark.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}