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/inquisitor-567 Jul 19 '20

I can’t count the number of times at family gatherings my aunt has moved my cane cause she’s a “neat freak” and suddenly I have to limp across the room or ask one of my cousins to get it for me so I can walk

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '20

Christ, I judge people a lot based on how badly they react or interact with my cane and I honestly hate your Aunt right now. The passive agressivity reflex in me would just have me put her entire house into disarray for that. You know, as I’m limping for my cane I would displace everything in my reach, lean against shoot with greasy hands and everything.

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u/inquisitor-567 Jul 20 '20

Well my aunt is developmentally stunted she doesn’t have full cognitive function so even though she’s a grown woman she’s basically like a child usually if you explain something you don’t want her to do or really reinforce it she learns but it can take her a while she basically views my cane as an umbrella in that it’s an object that belongs near the door and it’s not meant to be used indoors we’ve talked with her about it and she’s better now every now and then she will still move it if it’s left somewhere that it sticks out but I cut her some slack if anyone else did that they’d get an earful