Mobility Etiquette

How do I respectfully interact with people who have a mobility difficulty?

Here are a few tips for respectfully interacting with people with physical difficulties:

• If a person appears to be having a difficulty, never presume that they require assistance - always ask first. Moreover, accept the person’s right to refuse assistance.
• When talking with a person who uses a wheelchair or a person of short stature, either get a chair or sit down so that you can have a conversation on an equal basis.
• A wheelchair is part of the body space of the person using it. Do not push or touch a person's wheelchair or lean over someone in a wheelchair to shake another person's hand.
• Do not worry about using everyday words and phrases like ‘walking’ or ‘running’.
• Speak in a natural, conversational tone. It is not necessary to speak loudly or to over-enunciate.
• Keep ramps, doors and aisles clear of clutter.
• Some people have limited use of their hands, wrists or arms. Be prepared to offer assistance with reaching for, grasping or lifting objects, opening doors and display cases and operating vending machines and other equipment.
• If the person has a Personal Assistant, address your comments and questions to the individual with the disability, not the Personal Assistant. In other words, talk directly to the person (‘What would you like?’), rather than to the Personal Assistant (‘Ask her what she'd like.’).
• When in doubt, always ask the person with the disability! The person with a disability is your best source of information.

Back