Interacting with Wheelchair Users
Published: September 22, 2014
To families and friends of wheelchair users — have you ever found it a little challenging to interact with wheelchair users or anyone with disabilities due to the fact that you’re not sure how to help or what to say? There's no need to worry. This article will give you some tips on how to properly and politely interact.
- Don't make ANY assumptions about people or their disabilities: Don't assume you know what he or she wants, what he or she feels, or what is best for him or her. If you really want to know what to do, how to do it, what language or terminology to use, or what assistance to offer, ask him or her DIRECTLY. Furthermore, each person has his or her own preferences; just because person A prefers this doesn’t mean that person B would like it as well.
- Always ASK before you proceed to help: Before you help someone, ask if he or she would like help. In some cases, a person with a disability might seem to be struggling, but is fine and would prefer to complete the task on his or her own; if you forcibly try to help under this kind of situation, chances are you might offend him or her.
- Speak normally, just as you always would: Some people have a tendency to intentionally or unintentionally talk louder and slower to people with disabilities; please try not to do that. Don't assume that because a person has one disability, that he or she also has a cognitive disability or is hard of hearing. This may again, offend the person.
- Try to use “people-first” language: “People-first language” means put the person first and the disability second. For example, say "a man who is deaf" rather than "a deaf man," and "a woman who uses a wheelchair" instead of "a wheelchair-bound woman."
- Be VERY aware of personal space: Doesn’t matter if it’s a wheelchair, a cane, or even just a walking boot for a sprained ankle, you should always remember not to touch, move, or lean on them; this is not only for the users’ sake of safety, but also yours.
Feel Informed?
Do you now believe that you'll feel more informed and comfortable speaking with someone who has a disability or who happens to be in a wheelchair? When in doubt, remember this: those who have disabilities and/or are in a wheelchair are people, too — treat them as such.
