Wheelchair Users - Rules Of Etiquette

The first rule of etiquette when interacting with people in wheelchairs, or power chairs, is to remember that one should not focus on their disability. Instead, focus on the person. Another rule of etiquette is the act of shaking hands, even if their limbs are limited in use. This gesture will set the tone for the interaction and make the person residing in the chair feel more at ease. Another important rule to remember is that one should never lean on or rock the wheelchair. A manual or electric wheelchair may seem to be only an inanimate object, but the truth is the chair is part of them and their body, just as an arm or leg is to someone who is not wheelchair bound.

Other rules of etiquette to remember when conversing with wheelchair users vary. They include simple things, such as remembering to not act as if a person in a wheelchair does not exist, when talking in a group of people. Also, if one is talking for an extended period of time with a wheelchair user, then perhaps sitting down at their level would be appropriate. If one still has questions regarding wheelchair etiquette, then perhaps a visit to the website wheelchairnet.org can help a person to learn all they need to know in order to correctly interact with a person who is confined to a chair.

Those who interact with wheelchair users sometimes may be fearful of talking to those who are mobility impaired. Etiquette is important when conversing with others, including people in wheelchairs. Thanks to the net, a person can find all they need to know on how to interact properly with those who are handicapped.