By Chris Rohan, publisher, www.DisabledDealerMagazine.com

Providing help to a wheelchair user doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable. Wheelchair users are no different from able-bodied people when it comes to getting help from others—sometimes they need it, sometimes they don’t. Eliminate any preexisting stereotypes you may have about people with disabilities.

Wheelchair users are just as diverse in their personalities, values and capabilities as anyone else. Therefore, the assistance you can provide, if any, depends on the situation, the circumstances and the people involved.

1.  Ask the wheelchair user if you can help. Do not assume that your help is needed or desired. Do not automatically start helping a wheelchair user. Your actions could do more harm than good. For example, grabbing a wheelchair in an incorrect manner may cause a fall.

2.  Listen to instructions. If your offer of help is accepted, the twheelchair user will explain what actions would be helpful. If you do not understand or are uncertain about any of the instructions, clarify before proceeding with

3.  Think about obstacles. If your assistance involves giving directions, consider physical barriers, distance and other conditions that may hinder the wheelchair user’s path. Think about the location of ramps and curb cuts, the accessibility and width of pathways and parking.

4.  Do not touch, lean or hang onto a person’s wheelchair without consent. If you the wheelchair user to lose balance and fall the wheelchair user will explain what actions would be helpful. If you do not understand or are uncertain about any of the instructions, clarify before proceeding with assistance involves making physical contact with the wheelchair, remember that the wheelchair is a part of the wheelchair user’s personal and body space and should be respected as such.

5.  If you are assisting a wheelchair user with transferring from his wheelchair to a chair, car or other location, do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance. If you think the wheelchair needs to be moved, ask the wheelchair user first.

6.  When in doubt, ask. Keep in mind that communication is a key factor.

TIPS AND WARNINGS

Always speak directly to the wheelchair user, even if a caregiver or other third party is present. If you are conversing for an extended period of time, consider sitting or squatting so that you are at the same eye level. This reduces neck strain for the wheelchair user. If the wheelchair user has a guide dog or service animal, do not pet or play with the animal. Remember that the animal is working and should not be distracted.

• Don’t make assumptions about a wheelchair user’s capabilities. Some wheelchair users have restricted mobility in their arms and legs; some have full upper-body mobility; some can stand and walk for short distances or without assistance.
• Don’t make any assumptions about wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

DisabledDealerMagazine Publisher Chris Rohan leads by example! She knows caregiving first hand and generously shares her experiences with us–both as a mom of a paraplegic and as the publisher for one of the leading resource magazines in the country.