People end up in wheelchairs for different reasons. Wheelchairs allow them to regain mobility, like a car or a bike.
If you interact with a motorized wheelchair user for the first time, it may be difficult to know how to do it. You don’t want to offend them involuntarily, but at the same time, you want to help and understand them.
The most important thing to remember is people in wheelchairs are very much like you. These useful tips will guide you on how to interact with a person in a wheelchair with ease.
Important to Show Respect
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Avoid Assuming Things about this Person’s Abilities
It’s not because they are in a wheelchair or unable to take a few steps. Some people only use a wheelchair because they can’t stand for a long time or because they can’t walk properly. Often, people with heart problems use a wheelchair to avoid straining.
If you are curious about why the person uses a wheelchair, it’s better to ask, instead of speculating. Consider asking permission to ask the question before asking it so the person can refuse to answer if it makes them uncomfortable.
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Speak Directly to the Wheelchair Person
Another useful tip on how to interact with a person in a wheelchair is to speak directly to them. Also, if an escort accompanies the person using the wheelchair, involve the escort in the conversation.
However, don’t make the escort an intermediary between you and wheelchair person. For example, don’t direct questions for the wheelchair person to their accompanying escort.
Ask permission before touching the person in a wheelchair. The person could be using it because of an injury, so you could inadvertently hurt them by touching them without permission.
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Pay Proper Attention while Talking
Understand the difficulties of using a wheelchair in public when accompanying a person in a wheelchair. Locate the ramps.
They are usually on the sides of doors or near toilets, stairs or elevators. When you take a route with many obstacles, ask them what’s the easiest way for them.
Listen to them and follow their instructions carefully.
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Pay Attention in Public Areas
Certain public spaces are specifically designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Accommodations like toilets, parking spaces, and school desks are designed to be wheelchair accessible.
These spaces are exclusively reserved for use by someone in a wheelchair. You can use other toilets, parking spaces, and other accommodations, but wheelchair users are limited to spaces specially designed for them.
Offer help, but don’t assume someone in a wheelchair needs it. If you see a situation where someone in a wheelchair may need your help, suggest it to them first.
Don’t be offended if this person refuses your help, they may be very independent.
Always Stay Polite
- When meeting a person in a wheelchair for the first time, shake their hand as you would with anyone else. A handshake establishes a physical connection that reduces psychological barriers to emotional connection. Even in cases where this person has a prosthesis, it’s generally acceptable to shake their hand.
- Discuss trivial things as you would with anyone. Don’t choose your words to avoid references to walking or running. You’ll probably make the conversation very awkward if you try to avoid expressions as it works. Most people who use wheelchairs don’t see anything offensive about it.
- Avoid making comments or jokes about the person’s wheelchair. People in wheelchairs usually have to endure a lot of mockeries. Even if it starts from goodwill, your joke could be offensive.
Final Tips
- Don’t step on the feet of the person in a wheelchair. Just because their feet are no longer used for walking doesn’t mean they’re no longer part of their body.
- Treat everyone who uses any device to get around, the way you treat others.
- When interacting with someone in a wheelchair look into their eyes when you talk with them. Don’t look at the wheelchair. Ideally, it would help if you put yourself at their level by sitting near them.
