21 May 2009
Kate McGarvey
When I wanted a pair of coloured crutches, I didn't actually think about why I wanted them. Or about the dramatic boost that they would bring.
Looking back, I realise that I was embarrassed about using anything that would be an obvious sign of my disability. I didn't want the label of being disabled, and all that can suggest to people. I was embarrassed; other people seemed embarrassed to talk to me. If I wasn't actually invisible, I felt it and more importantly, I wanted to be.
Without realising it, using coloured crutches changed my self image. I didn't look as though I was embarrassed by my crutches, so other people weren't embarrassed by them. Complete strangers would approach me just to talk about my lovely pink crutches. My self confidence grew.
Coloured crutches really did change my life and I started my business to share that experience.