Living with Alinker – 12 Months On

People often say you should spend 12 months in close contact with someone before deciding to commit to the relationship.

Well, the Alinker and I have now lived closely together for just over a year—and I’m ready to commit.

This is my commitment to share the story of what living with the Alinker has meant for me and grow the Alinker Family in Australia.

Life Before the Alinker

My mobility aids were walking sticks and a walker. I hated them both—partly for what they represented (in my mind, a frail old man), and partly for their impracticality. They were awkward to manoeuvre, and impossible if I wanted to carry anything.

Walking-with my wife and our dog was difficult—often impossible. I was too unstable on sticks, and with a walker I became more of an annoyance than a companion. So, most of the time, I simply didn’t go.

Shopping -grabbing a coffee, going out for a meal, or venturing far from my car were all too hard.

Buses, trams, even getting on a plane felt almost impossible.

Even conversations were affected. They usually had to be held while I was seated—either on a chair or perched on my walker. I often felt like the naughty schoolboy looking up at the teacher, waiting to be told off.

Life With the Alinker

What a difference.

Daily walks with my wife and our dog around the neighbourhood.

Shopping trips are now manageable—especially after fitting a removable basket.

Parking freedom—no need to rely on a disability space. I know the Alinker will get me wherever I need to go.

Travel made easy—I can lift it in and out of the car, or into Ubers and taxis, in about 30 seconds. I even have a little routine for Uber drivers—almost as smooth as a Formula 1 pit stop.

Everyday access—into cafés, restaurants, meeting rooms, offices. Out of the hundreds of doors I’ve gone through, only five required me to turn the Alinker sideways.

Always ready—with a simple magnetic latch, my walking stick attaches neatly to the Alinker frame, on hand if I need to cover a short distance on foot.

Public transport—on and off buses, trams, trains, and ferries without hassle.

Airports and beyond—I’ve travelled through airports across Australia, boarded planes, and even navigated a cruise ship—effortlessly.

What the Alinker Asks of Me

Almost nothing.

Every couple of months I reinflate the tyres, occasionally tighten a bolt—and that’s about it.

It’s a relationship that asks almost nothing of me…other than a little effort to get to where I want to go.

Who It’s For

The Alinker is for anyone who refuses to let disability, age-related decline, or any physical limitation rob them of independence, dignity, and their place in the world.