What not to say to a Person in a Wheelchair



Thought I would repost this as I have been in a wheelchair since I fell and fractured my pelvis a week ago.

From Tiffany Carlson at the Mobility Resource ...
Spend a week or a decade in a wheelchair, chances are you’ll be asked some pretty crazy things. And I get why –people are uncomfortable around things that are different, especially wheelchairs. ... If you don’t want to make a fool of yourself the next time you’re around a wheelchair-user, read on for the top ten things to never dare say or ask to a wheelchair-user.
  1. Slow down there. You might get a speeding ticket.
  2. What happened to you?
  3. How fast does that thing go?
  4. Do you know so and so in a wheelchair too?
  5. Is your significant other also in a wheelchair?
  6. I’d rather die than be disabled.
  7. You’re good looking for being in a wheelchair.
  8. Good for you.
  9. Can I ask you a personal question?
  10. Hey speed racer. Can you pop a wheelie?
If only more people remembered we are still human with normal functioning brains (I know, hard to believe), then a list like this wouldn’t be so necessary.
Read the rationale behind Tiffany's list here.


-originally post September 30, 2013

8 comments:

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    1. Sometimes people just say what they are thinking Alice.

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  2. I cannot imagine saying ANY of these things to someone. I do know that my daughter, Suzette found even the reality of having to use a wheelchair very disheartening. I would give anything to have her here to push in that wheelchair!!!!!

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    1. Susan, I think some of the most insensitive things were said to Ann years ago at our old church. I used tell her that the folks who regularly came over (uninvited) to pray really needed her to pray for them. This spring a guy was praying on the sidewalk by the market a few blocks from where we live. He asked her if she wanted prayer. She said no. Then he proceeded to yell a prayer at her as she rolled away. Sometimes you just have shake your head and ask God to open their eyes.

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  3. I don't use a wheelchair (yet) but I have people asking me questions I hope they didn't. They may think they are showing concern but they need to realise that it is a personal thing.

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    1. So true Pearlie. Insensitivity has no limitations.

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  4. I can't believe people say these kind of things. I guess not knowing what to say dulls the brain and out comes crazy stuff. Why does one have to say anything? Just talk to them as you would any friend.

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    1. Good advice Sue.

      Someone jokingly asked me this week if I could pop a wheelie.

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