r/YouShouldKnow • u/LtSoundwave • Jul 19 '20

Other YSK That many people with a disability consider their aides (wheelchair, etc.) an extension of themselves. You should ask before touching or moving them.

Read this article and was surprised to hear how many people struggle with this. Even if you are trying to help, you should ask first.

www.bbc.com/news/disability-49584591

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u/deag_bullet Jul 19 '20

Piggybacking off if this. If you're holding the door open for someone, stand behind it and not in front of it. Can't tell you how many times people would open the door for me, but then block my way in by standing in front of the door. Now I have to awkwardly try to not run over their toes while trying to squeeze my chair pass them.

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '20

This. Grab the handle then swing it open and hold the edge while getting your ass out of the way. Some wheelchairs are really wide. If the wheels don't hit you something else will. You don't want to be stabbed in the stomach or crotch by the handlebars.

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u/zoo-be-zoo Jul 20 '20

Yes! Also if you see a disabled person trying to open a heavy/self-closing door, ask before grabbing the door and pulling it open to help them. I'm using all my weight, strength, and balance to hold that door. You pull it you may as well have pulled the rug out from under me. Ask if you can help them with the door. If they say yes, hold it exactly where it is until they let go.

We know you mean well but your "helping" is hurting.