How You Should Treat Someone Who is in a Wheelchair

Many people who are physically disabled and confined to a wheelchair have to deal with a lot of ignorance and prejudice concerning their disability. This article will look into how you should treat someone who is in a wheelchair, saving yourself from an awkward moment and also showing the proper respect to others.

How You Should Treat Someone Who is in a Wheelchair: Talk at the same level

One of the biggest complaints that wheelchair users have is that people speak down to them from their usual height. Usually it is fine to speak to people from their normal height, but to wheelchair users this is a towering height, even if the person they are speaking to is 4ft 11" tall. It is actually very rude to do this if you are in the company of a person who is confined to a wheelchair. Consider how this looks. A wheelchair user will have to crane their neck to be able to look up at you. This also gives the impression that the other person is speaking down at them, even if this is not their intention. The proper etiquette to follow is to get down to the same level, as the person you are speaking with. Sit in a chair, on a stool, or crouch down, but do not assume your usual height.

How You Should Treat Someone Who is in a Wheelchair: Do not talk about them to others

If you are serving a customer who is a wheelchair user in a restaurant, in a shop or in some other place, do not ask the person's spouse, friend or helper what they would like to eat or if they are ready to pay. "Would she like ice with her water?" will only result in a scowl and possibly even a rude comeback from the customer. You may also want to kiss goodbye to a tip as well if you treat anyone this way in a restaurant. Each customer who is willing to spend their money in your restaurant, shop or other establishment is entitled to the same treatment as an able-bodied customer. So show the proper respect. Of course, if the customer is mute or unable to communicate their wishes due to a severe learning disability then you will not be demonstrating bad manners in asking for clarification from others.

How You Should Treat Someone Who is in a Wheelchair: Don't make assumptions