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/StExuperysAsteroid Jul 19 '20

I’m surprised that this isn’t included in your safety/HR training. It’s a huge safety and legal liability.

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '20

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u/LizardsInTheSky Jul 20 '20

I think they meant just not moving aids without asking, or how to use aids.

They hammered that into us as nursing assistants and I've heard that even non medial staff at my hospital are taught basically that you cannot move someone's aids without being told by the patient or by someone on their care team.

It's a big no-no, since not only can it be super distressing for the patient, they can probably sue.

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u/StExuperysAsteroid Jul 20 '20

I’m referring to staff moving a patient’s or client’s aids. The aids are an extension of who the person is.