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/DaToeBeans Jul 19 '20

Like kids (and some adults) will start twirling it around, play with the wrist strap, or stand there and pretend to use it. Some even start hobbling around on it. It’s happened A LOT.

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u/Beatnholler Jul 19 '20

What do you say to people when they do that? I once accidentally knocked someone's cane with my guitar case and I apologized until they told me to shut up and fuck off.

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u/DaToeBeans Jul 20 '20

With my students, I explain why it’s not appropriate. With adults, I usually just raise my eyebrows at them until they put it down. Most people don’t apologize when they knock my cane over. Adults at least offer to pick it back up lol

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u/Beatnholler Jul 20 '20

Unbelievable. I don't know what is wrong with people. There was a post on reddit not long ago where a Karen took a newly visually impaired woman's cane because her kid wanted to play with it and she was "faking it anyway" in the middle of a grocery store, on her first solo trip out to the store no less. I can't believe how horrible people can be to the disabled. I have an invisible disability and listen to my coworkers talk shit on people with my condition every single day. I can't imagine the rage you must cope with. Thanks for informing people here.