Stella is 14 years old and had her right leg amputated below the knee as a result of an accident. She wears a prosthetic leg and can normally walk without any discomfort, at a normal speed, with a very slight limp. She can use a walking stick to steady herself, if needed. The case manager makes a determination that Stella is able to walk and is not entitled to the higher rate of the mobility component.

The use of aids or appliances is a relevant consideration only for establishing whether an individual is unable or virtually unable to walk (CDP regs, reg.13(4)).

Case managers should consider the following to determine if an aid or appliance could reasonably be used:

• pain or discomfort experienced
• physical exertion required
• safety issues raised when using such an aid

Another factor is the availability of an aid or appliance. This involves considering the types of aid or appliances that NHS Scotland would recommend or make available to individuals. A case manager should ask a medical practitioner to advise, if there is in any doubt about the suitability of an aid or appliance.

Cameron is 12 years old and has cerebral palsy. He walks using a rollator which helps him to balance and reduces his fatigue. Cameron is able to walk for at least 20 minutes at a slightly slower pace than his peers. He occasionally trips when navigating kerbs but manages with reasonable ease most of the time. Without the rollator, Cameron would be at risk of falling over.

Considering Cameron's mobility when using his rollator, it is likely he is able to walk in excess of 250 metres given both the:

• length of time he can walk for
• the speed he travels at

His rollator greatly reduces his risk of falling and he does not describe experiencing pain when walking. The case manager determines that Cameron is not entitled to the higher rate of the mobility component.

Olga is 15 and was born without a knee joint or the lower half of her left leg. Until three years ago she wore a prosthetic leg and could walk with minimal discomfort. After a growth spurt, Olga was provided with a new prosthetic limb. However, despite multiple adjustments, she continues to experience severe discomfort when walking even a short distance. Olga began using crutches to reduce the weight going through her residual limb. A year ago Olga developed tendonitis in both wrists, likely as a result of using crutches This causes her intense pain as soon as she starts to use them.

The case manager determines that Olga is entitled to the higher rate of the mobility component.