| Many people simply do not know how to act when | | | | person's travel. |
| comunicating with a wheelchair user. These facts from | | | | - Don't classify persons who use wheelchairs as sick. |
| the horses mouth may help. | | | | Wheelchairs are used for a variety of non-contagious |
| - Always ask the person using the wheelchair if he or | | | | disabilities. |
| she would like assistance BEFORE you help. It may | | | | - When a person using a wheelchair "transfers" out of |
| not be needed or wanted. | | | | the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or bed, do not |
| - Don't hang or lean on a person's wheelchair because | | | | move the wheelchair out of reaching distance. |
| it is part of that person's personal body space. | | | | - Be aware of the person's capabilities. Some users |
| - Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair, not to | | | | can walk with aid and use wheelchairs to save energy |
| someone nearby as if the person in the wheelchair did | | | | and move quickly. |
| not exist. | | | | - It is ok to use terms like "running along" when |
| - If conversation lasts more than a few minutes, | | | | speaking to a person who uses a wheelchair. The |
| consider sitting down or kneeling to get yourself on the | | | | person is likely to express things the same way. |
| same level. | | | | - Don't discourage children from asking questions about |
| - Don't deman or patronize the person by patting them | | | | the wheelchair. |
| on the head. | | | | - Don't assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a |
| - Give clear directions, including distance, weather | | | | tragedy. It is a means of freedom that allows the |
| conditions and physical obstacles that may hinder the | | | | person to move about independently. |