Back in 2017, before my work began revolving more around chronic illness and lifestyle, I started this blog to share my theatre reviews. As a former dancer, theatre became one of very few ways I could still engage with the performance industry after my health declined… but as somebody with a chronic illness, attending shows even as an audience member was still full of challenges.
It was these experiences that made me begin writing ‘chronic illness-friendly’ theatre reviews. These posts would not only communicate my personal reflections on the show, but also discuss any implications of the venue or the production on my health condition. These posts drew in a huge community of individuals, people who also adored musical theatre but struggled with the impact this had on their own illnesses… and almost immediately, what I was doing began resonating with people. To date, one of my proudest achievements as a blogger is opening up that conversation so that like-minded people could connect and share not only their passions, but also their frustrations. For the first time, we were openly discussing barriers that are often much-less visible to those in the industry… and even to the wider disability community sometimes too.
![[#AD] Throwback to Alnwick and spending some quality time with only the most lethal and deadly shrubbery... ☠️🥀
Something I’ve been asked about a lot in the past, especially when talking about mobility aids, is why I opted for a power-chair rather than a mobility scooter. I’ve always felt like I made the right choice, but I never felt as though I could compare them objectively until I’d had a proper experience of mobility scooters myself. And this summer, I finally had that opportunity.
Although the two days I rented mobility scooters on my mini-break in Northumberland can in no way compare to the lived experiences of people who’ve chosen a model that best suits them and use them regularly, there’s a lot I learned from my experience... and that’s the subject of my latest post for @careco_mobility.
If you’re interested in hearing more about how I found mobility scooters in comparison to my power-chair and some of the pros and cons I experienced, the link’s in my bio!
More than anything, though, I think the take-home point is that every individual has different needs and it’s all about considering what will be the best fit for you... not just generally, but all the little specifics that come with long-term illness too. I’ll always advocate for researching and trying as many different options as you can as well - always, always try before you buy.
If you’re at this stage right now and you’re considering mobility aids, I really hope you find this piece somewhat helpful. There’s loads of other stuff about my personal experiences on my blog and YouTube channel as well!
What made you choose your mobility aid(s)? Any advice you’d give to others?](https://www.lifeofpippa.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)