Mobility Awareness Month is an annual observance that takes place every May to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and limited mobility. This includes people who use wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other mobility aids to get around, as well as people with health conditions that affect their mobility. The goal of this annual awareness campaign is to promote accessibility, independence, and the ability to participate in all aspects of society for people with disabilities. This includes work, school, medical appointments, therapy appointments, church, social activities, and travel. Helping those in wheelchairs to get to these places safely is what All Things Possible is all about.

How Did Mobility Awareness Month Begin?

Mobility Awareness Month was launched by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) in 2012 and is an important annual campaign for advancing disability rights and equality. Ilderton Conversion Company, where All Things Possible purchases their vans from, is a long-standing member of NMEDA. They must meet strict qualifications to belong to this association. For more information of NMEDA: https://nmeda.org/

Ways to Create a More Accessible Society

Creating a more accessible society involves the collective efforts of the entire community, including individuals, businesses, organizations, and government entities. Here are some ways we can all work together to create a more accessible society:

Raise Awareness

Awareness campaigns and education initiatives can help raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion during Mobility Awareness Month and beyond. These efforts can include promoting disability awareness and accessibility training for businesses and organizations. Raising awareness about mobility issues encourages people to recognize the challenges that people with mobility issues face and how to be more supportive, inclusive, and accommodating.

Make Buildings and Public Spaces Accessible

Buildings and public spaces should be designed to be accessible and ensure the safety and comfort of individuals with disabilities. This can include features like wheelchair ramps, elevators, tactile markings, and braille signage. Stores often overlook the fact that people with physical disabilities can’t shop there without the availability of electric carts. Yet more times than not, those with electric shopping carts either have them too far from the front door, they aren’t maintained, or no one is responsible for making sure they are plugged into outlets when not in use.

Provide Accessible Public Transportation

Here at All Things Possible, we believe that public transportation should be made accessible for individuals with disabilities. This includes wheelchair ramps on buses and trains, audio announcements, and designated seating.

Promote Accessibility in the Workplace

Employers should provide accessible workplaces for individuals with disabilities. This can include accessible workspaces, flexible work hours, and accessible technology. Accessible workplaces can improve employee productivity and ensure legal compliance by providing the necessary accommodations and equipment to meet the needs of employees with disabilities.

Support Inclusive Education

Educational institutions should be inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities. This can include accessible facilities, accessible course materials, and accommodations for students with disabilities. Inclusive education is important for students with disabilities because it promotes equal opportunities and provides them with the necessary support to achieve academic success.

Advocate for Policy Changes

Advocating for policy changes that support accessibility and inclusion can help create a more accessible society. This can include advocating for laws that mandate accessibility standards and enforcement of accessibility regulations. It can also include advocating for Medicaid or state programs whereby funding for wheelchair accessible vans is available to the disabled.

Mobility Awareness Month with All Things Possible

Wheelchair-accessible vans provide individuals with disabilities the ability to travel independently, which can significantly improve their quality of life. With a wheelchair van, they can attend work, school, or medical appointments and participate in social activities. By providing wheelchair-accessible vans to community members, All Things Possible helps support accessibility for people with disabilities to safely get to their medical appointments, attend church, community events, and other activities that might not have been accessible otherwise. This increases opportunities for social participation, which can also lead to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Wheelchair-accessible vans have a positive impact on the entire family of people with disabilities. Families have had to make significant sacrifices in terms of time, money, and energy to provide transportation for their loved ones. Lifting their family member in and out of a standard vehicle takes a huge toll on the body, often resulting in severe back problems. With a wheelchair van, the burden is lifted. Learn more about how All Things Possible has supported families in the Carolinas through our mission and make your donation during Mobility Awareness Month this May.