I am thinking of writing an introduction to interacting with wheelchair users

[kaberett]

Like: guidelines on when it's appropriate to touch a chair; guidelines on asking if help's wanted; guidelines on talking to someone using a chair (and therefore not at standing height) -- with the understanding that people vary. (Largely because I have come up with a rule-of-thumb about touching chairs that I am failing to phrase as a standalone post, so.)

Interested? Got things you'd like addressed?

Comments

[serene]

My partner uses a 'chair, and the following comes to mind:

1) Talk to him directly; he's not a dummy and I'm not a ventriloquist
2) Ask before putting anything on his tray or hanging anything from his handles -- I'm fucking him and I still need to ask, so you damn well should ask
3) If you ask him what's wrong with him (or with his legs), it will be a challenge for me to not hate you forever
4) "Can I give you a hand?" is great. If the answer is no, smile and MOVE ON. If the answer is yes, LISTEN to what the person needs from you. Don't just start "helping" in the way you think is best

[jesse_the_k]

Your #2 is THE BEST EVER!

[davidgillon]

This!