Mobility and Access for Larger People

Mobility can be and issue for the big and tall. Some tall people have issues with joints and other complications making it hard to walk. Overweight people find they may have joint problems as well as back and breathing issues. So what options are there for these issues?

Driving for the Big and Tall

The first step may be visiting an agency of your local government. Some call it the Department of Motor Vehicles, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Safety, or in some states, a tax assessor's office. But whatever your state calls it, you need to visit the department that issues license plates. They are the ones that can issue a handicap parking plate or placard. You will be required to file out a form and more than likely have to provide a medical form signed by your doctor, but the time invested in getting the plate of placard pays off in great dividends; closer parking spots, less walking, and more room to get in and out of your car. We've all had the issue of someone parking too close to open the car door and had to wait for that person to move or hunt them down in order to do so. A wide birth is a necessity for big and tall people to get in and out of their cars, and the handicap plate or placard is an immense relief to this issue.

Size Friendly Canes and Walkers

Another aspect of mobility that is sometimes overlooked is canes and walkers. Canes come in many different styles and designs. First, there is the material the cane is constructed of, generally, wood or metal. In the metal category, there can be different types, aluminum being the most common, but steel, titanium and other materials can be found. Metal canes provide the advantage of being adjustable in most cases, compared to wood that is usually static. Most canes have a weight limit, so be sure to find out what it is before you purchase one. Next, the handle design should be looked at. Some handles have an arch, some have a flat grip. Some have padding, others do not. Try out the grip before purchasing, make sure that you do not feel pressure in your wrist as the pressure should be felt in you arm. Then there is the foot or base. You can get a single base, a tripod or quad base. The more feet on the base, the stronger the cane will be, but may be a bit more cumbersome to use. In addition to canes, walkers can provide and immense amount of support and stability. Walkers can be made out of a variety of metals and generally have wheels in the front to assist with movement (some come with all wheels and handbrakes. They are usually adjustable and are able to be accessorized with things such as seats, tray tables and baskets. Both canes and walkers are sold in both foldable and non-foldable options.

Heavy Duty Electric Mobility

Wheelchairs and scooters have revolutionized the personal mobility industry in the last few years. Sure, you can go with a classic wheelchair, and push yourself around and it gives you a great amount of exercise. But electric mobility has the majority of the market share. And they are seeing that a great about of their business is coming from persons of size. Most electric wheelchairs have comfortable bucket seats and are easily operated with a joystick. Scooters come in several varieties and can have 3 or 4 wheels, and can be indoor or indoor/outdoor. Some are equipped with swivel seats so you can pull up to a table or desk without having to move into a chair. Some of the higher end ones have accessories such as headlights, taillights and directional lights. Once again, you must really try these out to get a good fit. First, make sure that it can support your weight. These devices have weight limits, exceeding them can cause the chair to flip, so be careful. Next, make sure that you are comfortable. This will be a device that you use possible for several hours at a time, so if it hurts, don't get it. Also, be aware of your regular surroundings. If you have small areas to maneuver in regularly, then you don't want to drive around a yacht. Sometimes simplicity is best. Also, look for deals. Sometimes a company will help you out with getting insurance or Medicare/Medicaid to help you pay. Sometimes, they will give discounts for "self pay" customers. See if they include attachments to carry the device in or on your car. If they do not, you can see if you can secure a loan to modify your vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter. One such organization is American Association of Persons with Disabilities, you can find a link on our advocacy page.

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