What makes a day a good day to you?
Kae Tran: Any day that is pain-free/fatigue-free is instantly a good day but otherwise, I make a conscious effort to make it a good day. I do this by being present and appreciating the people and little moments in my life; I try to be grateful for what I still have, instead of focusing on what I don’t have.
Which auxiliary means or daily living aids are indispensable for you?
Kae Tran: It used to be my car but I don’t drive anymore. Now, it’s my cane. I can’t walk anywhere outside of my apartment without it. Eventually, I will need to use a wheelchair as my disease continues to progress, so I imagine it will be that someday.
What would you like to see from society and your fellow people in dealing with people with disabilities?
Kae Tran: I want society to change its perception of us and recognize that disability can happen to us at any time. Our value as humans doesn’t come from our bodies/minds but rather from things like our ability to overcome barriers such as ableism. I want more inclusion, more normalization, less discrimination, and more education on the diversity within disability and the importance of accessibility.
Which assistive device would urgently need to be invented and/or improved?
Kae Tran: Rollators/walkers! They can be more thoughtfully designed, i.e. adding treading to the wheels, adjustable seating for smaller people, easier brake grips for people with limited hand strength/dexterity, etc. Another one would be exoskeleton suits: Let’s make them compact, affordable, and more widely accessible to the average consumer for everyday usage.