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/livegreen53 Jul 20 '20

Forgive me on that - using that terminology was drilled into my head during numerous safety meetings when I was a school bus driver. Seriously. That is a term utilized in power point presentations by speakers (sanctioned by our supervisor). We were instructed NOT to refer to students in our care as "disabled". It's stuck with me. We never experienced a disabled adult giving us THEIR take on this. I apologize if you felt I disrespected you. That was, and would never be my intent.

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u/cherishedrabbits Jul 20 '20

no worries at all! i know that lots of people, just like you explained, are taught to use terms like that so it’s definitely not something i take personally. it’s unfortunate that so many organizations are still to this day shying away from using the word disabled, but lots of disability advocates are doing great work to change that!