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Approximately eight million Americans have some type of mobility impairment requiring adaptive equipment such as a cane, crutches, walker, wheelchair, or scooter, according to the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute. Reasons range from medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or diabetes, to a broken leg or balance problems among the elderly. Medical walkers and rollators (rolling walkers) are drab necessities, but WalkerWonder, Boulder, Colo., is building a business on making mobility aids into personal statements.
The company created stylish patent-pending accessory designs for walkers, some with standard messaging (a popular walker banner claims the user is “Aged to Perfection”), others personalized for customers. The American-made banners and bumpers are stain resistant, washable, easy to install and cost around $60 a set.
WalkerWonder’s guiding principles make clear the company’s commitment to caring for the elderly, ill and disabled. The website features a blog and customer feedback on the products. “My mom gave a WalkerWonder accessory set to a friend in her senior housing complex,” writes a Maryland woman. “Her friend loved it, and it was the subject of much discussion at dinner!” For more information, visit www.walkerwonder.com.