Wheelchair Etiquette

                As I have mention in prior posts, I went to regular public school from Elementary to high school in a relatively small town. In fact, I was the only physically disabled student in my school. I had some remedial classes, but that was the extent of any accommodations. In fact, I only saw people in wheelchairs when I went to therapy in Philadelphia or when we went to Spina Bifida meetings.

For the most part, I was hardly ever around other kids with disabilities who used braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. In fact, being around someone in a wheelchair was as rarity until a few years ago.

As a way to give back for all the help that my parents received in dealing with my issues, my parents would counsel parents of babies with Spina Bifida. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with one of these families. Their daughter Nicole and I are friends now. Initially, I was uncomfortable around her. I asked myself questions that I am told non-disabled people ask themselves when they encounter someone in a wheelchair. Do I sit? Do I stand? Do I kneel down? What is proper etiquette when interacting with someone in a wheelchair?  

Soon after we reconnected, I confessed to her that when we first met, I was uncomfortable around her because of the wheelchair. I explained to her that it wasn’t because of her, it was because of not having been around people in a wheelchair. I asked if that upset her. She said no, she understood. Since then, I have gotten used to being around her. For those in wheelchairs, do you prefer that people interact with you in a certain way? If you would like to share your experiences and preferences on this subject, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

For more information, please visit www.mobility-advisor.com/wheelchair-etiquette.html