What are things a person should not do or say to someone in a wheelchair? In this blog posting, Sarah provides some definite don’ts.
“As a wheelchair user, I’ve experienced quite a varied reaction from the able-bodied public, so I thought I’d share a few things you shouldn’t say or do to those of us who use wheels.
1. “I’m only parking here for five minutes.”
No, you’re really not. It’s a disabled bay and you don’t have a permit, so get out of my space. I need this larger bay to get my wheelchair out of my car. Move.
2. “What have you done to your leg?”
Why would you ask a stranger such a personal question? It’s extremely rude and intrusive, and why assume I’m using a wheelchair because my legs don’t work?
3. “You’re too pretty to be in a wheelchair.
Now, that’s a backhanded compliment if I’ve ever heard one. Disability doesn’t discriminate. I can still be fabulous and use a wheelchair.”
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