If you have ever been in public and seen someone get up from a wheelchair to reach a high shelf, or perhaps walk a few steps to their car after folding their chair, you might have found yourself feeling a bit confused. You might even have wondered if there is a specific name for this, or if the person “actually” needs the chair.
The term for this is an “ambulatory wheelchair user”. It is a phrase that describes a significant portion of the mobility-aid community, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of disability. In this article, we’re going to break down exactly what it means to be an ambulatory user, why someone might choose a wheelchair even if they can stand, and how we can all be more supportive neighbors and friends to those navigating this reality in Toronto and beyond.
Defining the Ambulatory Wheelchair User
To put it simply, an ambulatory wheelchair user is someone who uses a wheelchair for mobility, but still possesses some limited level of ability to walk or stand. The key word here is “limited.” The ability to walk isn’t a binary “yes or no” it exists on a massive spectrum; some people walk, but have trouble with aspects you may take for granted. For some, it means being able to walk around their kitchen, but needing a chair for a day trip to the Eaton Centre. For others, it might mean they can stand for a few seconds to transfer to a seat, but are not able take a single step without intense pain or risk of falling.
It is a common misconception that wheelchairs are only for those with total paralysis. In reality, a wheelchair is a tool for independence. Just as someone might use reading glasses for up close reading, even when their distance vision is fine, many people use wheelchairs to bridge the gap between their physical limitations and the demands of daily life.
Why Use a Wheelchair if You Can Walk?
You might wonder what exactly leads a person to becoming an ambulatory user. The reasons are as varied as the individuals themselves. One of the most common drivers is chronic pain. For conditions like fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, or degenerative disc disease, walking isn’t impossible, but it is agonizing. A wheelchair allows them to participate in life without risking a level of pain that would leave them bedridden for three days.
Another major factor is fatigue and energy conservation. This is frequently seen in people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), or those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. They may have the muscle strength to walk 100 meters, but doing so might use up 90% of their energy for the entire day. By using a wheelchair for that distance, they “save” that energy for work, family, or simply enjoying their outing.
Medical Conditions and Ambulatory Mobility
Beyond pain and fatigue, there are neurological and cardiovascular reasons. Conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can cause a person’s heart rate to skyrocket or their blood pressure to drop the moment they stand up. This leads to dizziness and fainting. For these individuals, sitting in a wheelchair is about heart safety and preventing a dangerous fall. Whether or not they can walk, is secondary.
We also see ambulatory wheelchair users among those with respiratory issues. If your lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to support the exertion of walking through a grocery store, a wheelchair becomes a literal lifeline. It allows you to stay active in the community without putting your respiratory system under excessive dangerous stress.
The Problem with Perceptions
Unfortunately, ambulatory wheelchair users often face others “policing” their disability. Because many people believe wheelchairs are “all or nothing,” seeing a user stand up can trigger suspicion or even verbal harassment. This is often referred to as the “miracle” trope, where bystanders assume the person was faking their need for the chair, because they saw them move their legs.
This social pressure can be incredibly damaging. Many ambulatory users report feeling “imposter syndrome” or anxiety about using their chairs in public, fearing they will be judged. They might even push themselves to walk when they shouldn’t, just to avoid the “looks” they get when using a mobility aid. It’s important to remember that you cannot see someone’s pain level, heart rate, or lung capacity just by looking at them.
Best Etiquette: Interacting with Ambulatory Users
When it comes to etiquette, the most important rule is simple: The wheelchair is part of the user’s personal space.Never touch, lean on, or move a wheelchair without explicit permission, even if it appears empty. For an ambulatory user who has transferred to a standard chair, that wheelchair is their “legs”. You moving it even a few feet away can leave them feeling stranded and vulnerable.
If you are speaking with someone in a chair for more than a minute or two, try to find a seat so you are at eye level. This prevents them from having to strain their neck to look up at you. However, don’t feel the need to crouch or kneel like you’re talking to a child, just treat them with the same adult-to-adult respect you’d give anyone else.
Language and Referring to Users
How we talk about mobility matters. Avoid using “wheelchair-bound” or “confined to a wheelchair.” These phrases imply that the chair is a prison. For most users, the wheelchair is the opposite, it is the tool that grants them freedom. Instead, use the term “wheelchair user.” When discussing whether they are ambulatory, don’t ask, “Why do you need that if you can walk?” or “What happened to you?” These are deeply personal medical questions. If the topic comes up naturally, “ambulatory user” is the correct and respectful term to use. It acknowledges their mobility without making it the defining feature of their identity.
Dealing with “The Look”
If you are an ambulatory user yourself, you might be familiar with the “side-eye” from strangers. It is important to know that you do not owe anyone an explanation for your body. You are not faking a disability; you are managing a medical condition with the best tools available.
Toronto is a busy city, and navigating places like Union Station or the Distillery District can be exhausting for anyone. For someone with a mobility challenge, those distances are magnified. Choosing to use a chair in these settings is a smart, proactive health decision. It is an act of self-care that allows you to live a fuller life.
Reassurance: Your Choice is Valid
If you are currently on the fence about whether you deserve to rent or use a wheelchair because you can still walk a bit, let this be reassuring: If a wheelchair makes your life easier, more accessible, or less painful, you have every right to use one.
Mobility aids are not trophies for the most “injured” they are tools for the living. There is no minimum level of disability required to choose a higher quality of life. If using a chair means you can go to your granddaughter’s graduation or enjoy a weekend at the CNE without ending up in the hospital, then the chair is doing exactly what it was designed to do.
The Role of Accessibility in Toronto
As a city, Toronto is constantly working toward better accessibility, but we still have a long way to go. Ambulatory users often highlight invisible barriers. A curb might be manageable for a few steps, but a lack of ramps over a whole city block is a different story.
By recognizing and supporting ambulatory users, we help create a culture that values accessibility for everyone, regardless of how visible their need appears. When we stop judging and start supporting, the city becomes a more welcoming place for all of us.
Final Thoughts on Ambulatory Use
The world isn’t built for people with limited mobility, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Whether your need for a chair is due to a temporary injury, a chronic illness, or age-related fatigue, being an ambulatory wheelchair user is a common and valid way to navigate the world.
At the end of the day, a wheelchair is just a piece of equipment. It’s no different than a pair of crutches or a cane. it’s just a more robust way to get from point A to point B safely. So, the next time you see someone stand up from their chair, don’t look for a “miracle.” Instead, see a person who is using the right tool for the job.
If you’re in the GTA and considering whether a rental might help you get through a busy week or an upcoming event, don’t hesitate to reach out. We understand the nuances of mobility and are here to help you find the right fit for your specific needs, ambulatory or otherwise.
