The VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) published a news brief on "Women Veterans’ Experiences with Mobility Assistive Technology: Results from a National Survey.
1-in-5 Women Veterans say mobility aids don't meet their needs
(08/27/2025)
More than two million Women Veterans have experienced disabilities requiring a mobility device such as a cane, walker, brace, or wheelchair, but when VA researchers from Hines, Illinois, and Pittsburgh surveyed 600 Women Veterans who used mobility assistive technology, they found about 20% felt their devices did not meet everyday needs for activities related to employment, leisure, housework, social activities, and public transportation. 35% reported their device did not meet their childcare needs, and a massive 85% reported their devices had not been designed for women. 70% said they were not able to try out multiple devices, but almost 90% of the women reported their self-care needs were met by assistive devices. The Veterans also provided positive feedback on the procurement process but expressed room for improvement in sizing, design, and meeting the unique needs of Women Veterans. (Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, Aug. 10, 2025)