The Rules Of Etiquette With Wheelchair Users

A short note on using the proper etiquette when encountering someone in a wheelchair.

The Rules of Etiquette with Wheelchair Users

By Joseph Parish

As a group, the wheelchair users are always receiving long stares or funny type looks. Usually those unfamiliar with wheelchairs will begin to act weird or funny when around those who use wheelchairs.

To avoid such occurrences from happening, people should generally learn the particular rules of etiquette when they interact with those people confined to a wheelchair. To locate this information, you merely have to perform an internet search to discover everything you may want to know concerning the subject.

The initial rule concerning etiquette when you're interacting with these people in a wheelchair or a power chair is to keep in mind not to focus upon their disability. Focus instead upon the person themselves. An additional rule concerning etiquette is during the process of shaking their hands. In the event the wheelchair person has limited use of his limbs, this simple gesture will create a leisure tone for the social interaction which will provide a feeling of ease.

An important rule to consider is that you should never rock the wheelchair nor lean on it. An electric or manual chair may appear as an inanimate object, but the truth of the matter is, their chair is just as much a part of them as your arm or your leg is to you.

Remember to speak to the wheelchair user as you would anyone else. They are no different then any other person. Other rules may apply and these include permitting children to ask a question concerning people in a wheelchair. Since curiosity is a normal occurrence in children this open communication will assist in avoiding fear and getting the wrong attitude.

It's not difficult to hold a conversation with someone who is confined to a wheelchair. Often those people who aren't confined to a wheelchair have questions or issues concerning the interaction with someone in the wheelchair. There are certain rules of etiquette which do exist. Simply by completing a search of the internet one can discover all that is needed to know concerning how to interact with anyone who may be using a motorized or manual wheelchair. As in other interactions in life etiquette represents a great skill when interacting with handicapped people.

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