Wheelchair users

People use wheelchairs permanently or intermittently for a variety of reasons. Despite their active participation in our society, most people who use wheelchairs encounter attitudinal barriers that affect their daily lives.

• Treat people who use wheelchairs with dignity and respect
• Do not automatically hold on to a person’s wheelchair – it is part of their personal space
• Do not try to move a person or their wheelchair without their permission
• Offer assistance but do not insist.
• Talk directly to the person using the wheelchair – the person is not usually helpless or unable to communicate
• Don’t be sensitive about using words like walking or running
• Sit/squat when communicating so that you are both at the same eye level. It is uncomfortable on the neck for a seated person to look up for long periods.
• Make sure meeting places are accessible