For a person in a wheelchair, their wheelchairs are like a part of their body. You must respect the person in the wheelchair, as well as the wheelchair itself. Here are some basic Do’s and Don’ts when interacting with a person in a wheelchair:
Do…
Do make sure wheelchairs are locked when appropriate Do approach individuals in wheelchairs from the front
Do make sure you introduce yourself and explain what you are doing before pushing someone in a wheelchair
Do try and get on the level of a person in a wheelchair when talking to them (i.e Sit in a chair next to or in front of the individual)
Do not…
Do not take off wheelchair parts, without a staff member present
Do not move a person in a wheelchair, unless authorized by a staff member
Do not lean on wheelchairs Never sit in a person’s wheelchair if they are not in it
