Nearly one in four Britons has a disability, and many of them would benefit from a mobility aid or other piece of assistive technology. However, studies show a consistent trend of low compliance, sometimes as little as 50% depending on demographics. Non-use and underuse of needed aids has a host of negative impacts, including excess pain and disability for the individual, as well as social effects such as the inefficient use of finite medical resources. This talk will give an overview of some of the reasons for underuse, the varying impact they can have on different demographics, and some of the things that we can do, both as individuals and as a society, to improve health outcomes.
Cass Peters is a former professor of sociology and current professional sick person. In between migraines he continues to research subjects that take his fancy, with a particular emphasis on disability, identity, and stumbling head first into random historical and cultural rabbit holes. He maintains that his pets are cuter than yours and will not be taking any questions at this time.
The music used in this episode is by Thula Borah and is used with permission.
