Norman Rolston worked as a counsellor, dedicated to the needs of those less fortunate than himself. His invention of the Able Walker has saved the taxpayers millions of dollars by giving many immobile individuals a way to be active for better mental and physical health.

Norman built his first walker for his aunt who suffered from arthritis. One day in 1986, while watching her trying to walk across the floor pushing a kitchen chair, he had an idea to attach wheels. His prototype walker included swivel casters for steering and hand brakes to give his aunt renewed freedom and independence.

The biggest challenge was overcoming the skepticism of the medical profession but Norman was undaunted. He met with the Surgeon General of the United States who thought highly of the invention. Following that meeting, the medical profession took a renewed interest in Norman’s device. Doctors soon had patients who could never before attend their clinics come in with their Able Walkers, confident and mobile.

Unselfishly, Norman decided to gift his invention to the world by not patenting it. For this, he won the first Humanitarian of the Year Award presented by the International Society of Inventors.