Acorn Stairlifts News

Welcome to Acorn Stairlifts News Section. Explore our blog for impactful resources, insightful articles, personal reflections and ideas that inspire action on the topics you care about.

Switching Up The Stigma: Home Assistive Tools

12:00am | & Tips and Advice

Occasionally, life is challenging. It can be tough to welcome challenges when things in life change unexpectedly, especially when it comes to your health or safety. Today's remarkable technologies have made coping with life's ups and downs more accessible than ever. If anyone has a disability or other difficulties, today's technologies can alter and make mobility more accessible and enable people to live more independent lives.  

Household assistive devices can be beneficial to people who have lost some of their mobility. Unfortunately, there may be certain negative perceptions associated with the use of those assistive devices. Still, luckily, there are ways to change the stigma attached to accessibility; it starts at home.  

Negatively perceived attributions may describe a stigma. Stigmatization can result in social expectations or punishments, leading to problems like a lack of ambition, fear of finding support, or a sense of disconnect. However, perceptions are never reality; people with disabilities are more than a generalization or misconception. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over one billion people worldwide are disabled and that "disability is part of the human condition." Some people's attitudes toward impairments can be problematic at times, but having the time to accept disabilities and navigate accessibility will change many people's lives.  

Security rails, non-slip walkways, and bathroom handles are examples of home assistive equipment. When it comes to mobility aids, the list is endless. Household lifts and stairlifts are also outstanding mobility aids. Stairlifts can be a valuable method for increasing user independence and provides lifesaving safety on tricky staircases. Many households should be able to regain their freedom and become more self-sufficient with the help of stairlifts.  

It is helpful to understand what a home assistive device can do for your household. Under situational conditions, social norms shouldn't have to prevent you from improving your life or the health of a loved one, as well as tearing down the stigmas associated with it. New ideas may expand people's opportunities, and they may gain the help they need to lead more well-rounded lives if you remove barriers. 

When addressing home assistive devices, consider some of the following suggestions:  

   

  • You can demonstrate your understanding by using person-first language. When speaking about those impacted by disability, begin with the person first because their disability does not define them. The person is mute," for example, or "the person utilizes a walking aid."  

  • Maintain a positive attitude when addressing sensitive topics. When making choices about someone's health and well-being, you should be supportive by embracing their decisions and sharing your joy.  

  • Allow yourself to be receptive to new ideas and values. It's incredible how your perspective on topics will change if you take the time to notice them. Surround yourself with people from diverse cultures to create a more optimistic outlook.  

  • Take part in a supportive group. There are groups for nearly all, and disabilities are no exception. You might benefit from conversing with people who are similar to you. Consult the doctor or search the internet for a club near you.  

At Acorn Stairlifts, we acknowledge that opting to install assistive systems devices in your home is not an easy decision. We are, fortunately, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you in making the best decision possible. We recognize the importance of your health and quality of life, and we are here to help. 

 

Sources:  

Parette, Phil & Scherer, Marcia. (2004). Assistive technology use and stigma. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities. 39. 217-226. 

World Health Organization. World Report on Disability. Available online: http://www.who.int/disabilities/ world_report/2011/en/ 

« Back to News Index