In a recent article, Thomas R. Frieden notes that public health and clinical medicine should work together but all too often, this is not the case. As a means of addressing this situation, Frieden suggests that the two areas can be integrated effectively by making patients the VIPs of the system. What does it mean to make the patient the VIP? Read the article to find out.
Tag Archives: respect
You Said and/or Did What?
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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