The wheelchair is used for many different reasons. It allows greater freedom of movement, just like a car or bicycle. If you are interacting for the first time with a person who uses a wheelchair, it may be difficult to understand how to behave correctly. You don't mean to accidentally offend her, but at the same time you want to be helpful and considerate. The most important thing to remember is that wheelchair users are no different from you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Be Respectful
Step 1. Avoid guessing about the abilities of others
If a person uses a wheelchair it does not necessarily mean that they are paralyzed or unable to take a few steps. Some only use it because they cannot stand for long or have limited walking ability. Often even those with heart problems use it, to avoid straining the heart. If you are curious about why a person uses a wheelchair, it is better to ask them directly, rather than speculating. Try to introduce the question with a modifier in order to mitigate the request so that the person can refrain from answering you if they feel uncomfortable. For example: "Do you mind telling me why you use a wheelchair?".
Ask this kind of question only after you have established a more confidential relationship with the person. It is not appropriate to address them to strangers
Step 2. Talk directly to the person using the wheelchair
If they are in the company of someone, involve their companion in the conversation, but don't neglect the person in the wheelchair. For example, do not ask your companion any questions that concern you personally.
When you have to talk to someone in a wheelchair for a long time, sit down so they don't have to keep their head up to look at you
Step 3. Ask for permission before touching the person or their wheelchair
Giving her a pat on the back or leaning on a wheelchair are gestures that could be interpreted as disrespect. If the person uses the wheelchair because of a serious injury, your gesture may cause them pain as well as being arrogant.
Consider the wheelchair as an extension of a person's body. How would you not put your hand on his shoulder, not even put it on his chair without there being a valid reason
Method 2 of 3: Be Thoughtful
Step 1. Try to understand the difficulty of maneuvering a wheelchair in public places when accompanying a person who uses it
Look for wheelchair ramps, which are usually located on the sides of doors or near bathrooms, stairs, and elevators. When you follow a path that presents multiple obstacles ask her: "What is the easiest system for you?". Listen and follow his directions carefully.
If you're hosting an event, make sure it's accessible. Check the location to make sure there are no architectural barriers at the entrance. Make sure the aisles and corridors are wide enough to maneuver the wheelchair. Bathrooms should have sufficient space to ensure wheelchair rotation and a grab bar. If the event takes place outdoors, the ground or pavement should allow the wheelchair to move easily. Gravel, sand, and soft or bumpy surfaces can be an obstacle
Step 2. Be careful when you are in public spaces
Some of them, such as certain toilets, parking lots and school desks, are intended for the handicapped. Never use them unless you are accompanying a person in a wheelchair. You have the option of using all other services, parking areas and desks, but the handicapped can often only use those accessible to wheelchairs.
- When you go shopping, pay attention to scooter or wheelchair users and try to keep right or left of the lane, as if you were driving.
- Avoid parking next to a van away from other vehicles, which displays the disabled badge. The driver or passenger may need space to open the chute when returning to their vehicle. Not all places for the handicapped have enough space, so sometimes it is necessary to park the vans away from other cars to gain the necessary space.
Step 3. Offer your help, but don't think that a wheelchair user always needs it
If you notice a situation in which she would appreciate your help, first ask if she is willing to accept it. Don't be offended if he declines your offer - it's probably self-contained. For example, if you see a person in a wheelchair approaching the entrance, you can ask them, "Do you want me to keep the door?" give a hand to climb? ".
Never move the wheelchair without permission. Its owner may have positioned it in such a way that it can easily move from chair to wheelchair and vice versa
Method 3 of 3: Be Courteous
Step 1. When you first meet someone in a wheelchair, shake their hand, just as you would greet any other person
A handshake helps to establish physical contact and to relieve the state of psychological and emotional tension. Even in cases where the person has a prosthetic limb, it is generally natural to shake their hand.
If the person cannot or does not want to shake your hand, they will likely politely refuse. Do not be offended, because his refusal is most likely dictated by the concern of the physical gesture and has nothing to do with you
Step 2. Talk confidently, as you would any other individual
Do not change the words so as not to refer to terms such as "running" or "walking". Attempting to avoid common expressions like "I have to run" could only make the conversation awkward. Most people in wheelchairs do not find such common phrases offensive.
As in any conversation, if the person tells you that they would prefer you to avoid particular phrases, it would be wise to honor their request
Step 3. Avoid making comments or jokes about the person's wheelchair
People in wheelchairs are usually the victims of various jokes about their condition. Regardless of how good-natured they are, jokes can get boring. These comments only serve to distract attention from the person and direct it towards his condition.
If the person tells jokes in his chair, it is not wrong to play the joke, but never take the initiative
Advice
- Never step on the feet of a person in a wheelchair. Just because she doesn't use them for walking doesn't mean they're not part of her body.
- Never leave a shopping cart in a public car park, especially in an area reserved for the disabled.
- Treat anyone who uses a mobility device, such as a scooter, the same way you treat those who use a wheelchair.
- Make eye contact with the person using the wheelchair when you talk to them. Ideally, as mentioned above, position yourself at her height, sitting next to her.
Warnings
- Since the wheelchair - just like glasses - is an extension of the person, it should be treated as such. Don't touch it or try to push it unless you are allowed to.
- If you don't know the person in the wheelchair personally, don't ask them why they use it. It could be interpreted as a vulgar and insensitive gesture. However, if you are getting to know someone who uses a wheelchair, don't hesitate to ask them questions at the appropriate time.
- Referring to a wheelchair user as nothing other than a wheelchair user could denote rudeness or arrogance.
- Do not classify people in wheelchairs as "disabled" or "sick".
