assistive device they will become dependent on it. Others are concerned about how they might be viewed or that others will think less of them. Of course, none of these things are true. It is important to examineyourthoughts about mobility aids and reframe your thinking. Viewing a mobility aid as a tool that will help you maintain,orevenimprove,your independence can remove the negative perception. Mobility can be greatly enhanced by using an assistive device. For example, let’s look at the common mobility problem of foot drop. Dragging your foot has a high energy expenditure and places you at risk for falling. If you are already dealing with MS fatigue, this can drastically limit the distance you can walk or how safe you are while moving. Utilizing a brace that keeps your foot from catching could positively influence your walking pattern. That is a big plus! Remember, energy is a valuable commodity and a mobility aid can conserve that valuable resource for you. Usingamobilityaidcanbeveryempowering. Think of arriving at your activity with good energy, feeling confident and in control of your movements and your body. Using a cane, walker, or power mobility device could do that for you. The tools you use can keep you safer, conserve your energy, and can even prevent other problems in the future. When should you consider a mobility device? If you are experiencing frequent trips, slips, falls or near falls, now is the time to take action. An injury from a fall can substantially change your ability to participate in the activities that are important to you. If you notice that you are holding onto furniture or walls to gain some stability, your fall risk is high. Another reason to start thinking about using a mobility aid is if the tasks you are doing are taking too much time and depleting your energy. If you are avoiding activities because they are too difficult or because you are fearful of falling, a mobility aid could be the answer to increasing your participation. Mobility aids are not one-type-fits-all. It is essential to seek the advice of a professional that is skilled in the assessment of persons with MS, as well as knowledgeable in mobility aids. The wrong device can be costly and end up not being utilized. Whenever possible, a trial of the equipment is the best method to determine if the device will really work for you. Resist the urge to purchase something that worked for someone else. Everyone is unique and therefore their needs and solutions are unique. 11 msfocusmagazine.org Viewing a mobility aid as a tool that will help you maintain, or even improve, your independence can remove the negative perception.