So it happened. I fell through a rotten floor board in my barn and twisted my ankle. When my daughter twisted her ankle awhile back, I told her “Use crutches and don’t put weight on it…it will heal twice as fast as if you over-use it.” So, believe it or not, I took my own advice and headed out to the shop on crutches to build a lift creeper that was promised that day. I learned things.

I’d heal in a day or two, but the job needs done today. Who else would do it for me? I could hire it done at a local welding shop for $60/hour while I sat on the couch…or I could figure out a way to do it. There is no better way to explain the importance of the Disability Work Tools mission. We come along-side of other folks in this predicament, and helping them continue working. They are going to work whether it is “approved of” or not, so we might as well support them in the most effective ways possible. 

The immediate realization as I works was that my hands were all tied up with crutches, and couldn’t carry anything! Any ideas how to carry something when walking on crutches? How could I feed and water my laying hens? Move the torch or welder? Carry a toolbox? 

      1.  Use a regular backpack like a toolbox to carry items around the work site. Tool pouches work great too. 

     2.  Don’t get all wet. Carry water to pets or small livestock with a backpack sprayer without sloshing all over. A heated hose and waterer is a great option if a hydrant is close enough to the pens.    

3.  Carts are your friend! Hitch yourself to a cart or sled to move loads around the work site. A 4- wheel cart can double as a walker and load carrier at the same time.

     4.  Try adaptive crutches such as the IWalkFree crutch or the Auroroa amputee crutch adapter. These get great reviews from workers like you!  The IWalkFree crutch looks like a strap-on prosthetic leg for workers with below-the knee injuries. 

5.  Stand on floor cushions and use sit-stand stools to rest your legs whenever working in a stationary position. 

6.  If you can drive, don’t walk. Save your energy for doing the job when you get there. Can’t afford purchasing a mobility cart for just a few months while recovering? You may have diamonds in your own backyard if you have a riding lawnmower to use. ATV’s, golf carts, utility vehicles, lawnmowers, power wheelchairs, three-wheel scooters, etc. all make mobility less of a problem when working outdoors on crutches.

And remember, Christ is the ultimate remedy for flinging away crutches!  There is always hope.

Acts 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Acts 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Acts 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

By Ned Stoller