Wheelchair Etiquette

Often people wonder how they should react when they meet a person who has a disability or is in a wheelchair. These people are active members of society and have identities beyond their disability. They should be included in all aspects of daily life and have common courtesies extended to them when interacting with them.

• When addressing a person who uses a wheelchair, do not lean on the wheelchair unless you have permission to do so. A wheelchair is part of an individual's personal space.
• Do not assume a person using a wheelchair needs assistance. Always ask before providing assistance. If your offer of assistance is accepted, ask for instructions.
• Relax and speak naturally. Do not be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted common expressions such as "got to be running along" that seem to relate to the person's disability.
• When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, consider distance, weather conditions, and physical obstacles such as stairs, curbs, and steep hills.
• Use proper terminology when referring to a person who uses a wheelchair. Terms such as "wheelchair bound" or "confined to a wheelchair" are inappropriate. Using a wheelchair does not mean confinement.
• Do not assume that all people who use wheelchairs have the same limitations. People use wheelchairs for a variety of reasons and have different limitations and abilities.
• If a person who uses a wheelchair has a service animal, do not pet or try to play with it. A service animal is working and should not be interrupted.
• When greeting a person who uses a wheelchair, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands with that person even if he/she has upper extremity limitations.
• If someone's ability to read, write or handle documents is limited, be prepared to provide assistance in completing paperwork.
• Wheelchairs are extensions of the personal space of the people using them. Don't stand or lean on them unless you think it is appropriate.
• Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair, not through a carer, partner or friend, as if the wheelchair user cannot speak for themselves. But also remember that the wheelchair user may want to communicate through the person they are with.
• There's no need to shout or speak patronisingly.
• If you are unsure about something, ask the person. The wheelchair user will best be able to answer any questions you may have about special needs or assistive techniques. They more than anyone have a vested interest in seeing that things go as smoothly as possible.
• If a conversation lasts more than a few minutes, consider sitting down or kneeling to get yourself on the same level as the wheelchair user.
• Don't assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It's a means of freedom that allows the user to move about.
• Do not discourage children from asking questions about the wheelchair. Open communication helps overcome fearful or negative attitudes.
• When a wheelchair user transfers out of the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or bed, do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance unless it is ok.