Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!ucsd!usc!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.33!Jerry.Pickup
From: Jerry.Pickup@p33.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Jerry Pickup)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: What should I do?
Message-ID: <12622@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 3 Jul 90 21:09:44 GMT
Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP
Reply-To: Jerry.Pickup@p33.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org
Distribution: misc
Organization: FidoNet node 1:360/1.33 - Augusta Forum, North Augusta SC
Lines: 52
Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP

Index Number: 9037

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to All <21 Jun 90 18:52:00> Wayne Finlay wrote:

 WF> Hi!

 Hi Wayne!

 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.

Doesn't sound stupid to me, I used to be that way.  I partially got
over it when I made friends with a guy who had no legs.  I learned
that people in wheelchairs are really no different than anyone else
except that they can't walk.  My friend passed away and since that
time I had amotorcycle accident and now I have my very own
wheelchair.

The best thing you can do is to realize that people with
disabilities are just people like anyone else.  Some have bad
attitudes and some good.  Some are loveable and some are hateful.
Chances are whatever they were before they were disabled, that's
exactly what they are now.

If you have an opportunity to befriend a disabled person, do so.
You will learn alot and your fear and discomfort will leave 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?)

Nothing wrong with, "Hey, buddy can I give you a push?" but be
ready to accept a "No thanks, I've got it."  Most people like to do
as much as they can for themselves and if they don't need help they
probably don't want it.

The only truly offensive thing you could do would be to thrust your
help upon someone without asking first.

I wish more able bodied people would ask the same kind of questions
you are asking here!

                                  -Jerry

--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.33!Jerry.Pickup
Internet: Jerry.Pickup@p33.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org