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From: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Curtis Oglesby)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: What should I do?
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Date: 28 Jun 90 16:58:12 GMT
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[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 WF> Hi!
 WF>  I've been reading this echo for the past month or so and find it
 WF> very touching. The strength that those of you with serious spinal
 WF> cord injuries exhibit through your messages really make me believe
 WF> in the will power of humans. I have one problem though. I am a fully
 WF> mobile person. I jump, run and play....I'm in good health. What I'm
 WF> lacking is the ability to deal comfortably with people in wheel
 WF> chairs. This may sound stupid but I really don't feel comfortable
 WF> around people in wheel chairs. I'd like to hear from people who are
 WF> in wheel chairs and I ask that u tell me something about how I can
 WF> get over this disability towards you.
 WF> For example, if I see someone on the street in a manual wheel chair
 WF> and if this person is going in the same direction as I am should I
 WF> offer to push him/her? (I'd do this since I'm that sort of  person,
 WF> but is it proper?)

Hello Wayne,

First of all, I'd say you don't feel comfortable because of
ignorance.  Wait, I meam this in a literal sense, that is, lack of
knowledge.  Put another way, it's the fear of the unknown.  The
solution:  Get to know someone using a wheelchair.

Next, I'm very mobile.  I bounce, roll and play....I'm in good
health.  The point here is that I'm not sickly but I do have
obvious physical limitations.

Your "disability" is a lack of knowledge.  (See first paragraph for
solution)

In any situation (on the street or otherwise), don't treat people
differently.  Period!  Why would there be any special etiquette?
For instance, since you're that type of person, would you offer to
help a woman struggling with her arms full of groceries?  Would you
offer to help a businessman with his briefcase?  A quick assessment
of whether a person (any person) "needs" help should guide you.  If
you think they could use a helping hand, ask 'em.  Then, honor
their response.  Simple.

BTW, all spinal cord injuries are serious.

Take care,

Curt

P.S.  I know how you feel, but there is no "rule book."  I was very
"able-bodied" for my first 23 years.  People using wheelchairs are
just people.  You'll like some, you won't like others.

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