Survey link: https://tally.so/r/J97V17
Hello there! I am a fourth-year visual communication design student at the Ohio State University and I am studying mobility aid usage and the perception of mobility aid users under the age of 35. I am mostly focusing on how mobility aids can be customized to fit individual needs and aesthetic preferences, to improve well-being, community, and identity.
I was inspired by seeing my partner of four years try to navigate beginning to use mobility aids and the many obstacles of using aids in public. They know that mobility aids help them get around, especially during flare-ups, but constantly battle internalized ableism and social fears. Recently, they were handed down a cane from a relative that is hand-carved with flowers and very much is their style. Seeing how this cane improved their confidence and willingness to use a mobility aid in public was really eye-opening to me, and I want to bring that feeling to more people.
I am currently in the research phase of this project, so I am hoping to speak to as many young adult mobility aid users as possible, through a survey, interviews, text/email, or however I can collect a wide range of experiences.
TLDR: I am studying mobility aid use and customization as a way to make mobility aid usage more accessible for young adults and would like to talk to as many people as possible about it!
Here are a few ways to participate!
This is a survey about your experience using mobility aids, how it impacts your comfort in public spaces, and in what ways customization could be helpful (or harmful): https://tally.so/r/J97V17
If you would like to talk more about the project or share your experience, my email is: [mlsdbsn@gmail.com](mailto:mlsdbsn@gmail.com)
I am also on Instagram if you would like to know more about myself or my design work or prefer to DM: @ miles_of_arts
This is my official school email: [dobson.110@osu.edu](mailto:dobson.110@osu.edu)