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Wheelchairs help people adapt to mobility impairments. Don't assume that
using a wheelchair is a tragedy. It may mean freedom, allowing the person
to move independently. Focus on the person, not the disability.
Do
Ask the wheelchair user if he or she would like some assistance before you offer help.
If possible, sit or crouch down so you are at eye level when talking, especially if you plan to visit for longer than a few minutes.
Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair, not to a person nearby or pushing the chair.
Recognize people in wheelchairs have varying capacities. Some can walk short distances and use wheelchairs to conserve energy while others rely entirely on the wheelchair.
Terms like "I'll be running along" or "let's go for a walk" are perfectly appropriate. Wheelchair users express the idea of moving in the same way as others.
Do encourage children to ask questions about the wheelchair and learn about it.
Don't
Lean or hang on to the wheelchair.
Move the wheelchair when the wheelchair user is "tranfering" to a chair or a bed. (Call a nurse or attendant if the person needs help rather than attempt to assist with the transfer.)
Forget to give clear directions for navigation including: physical obstacles, weather conditions or distance that may hinder the wheelchair user’s travel.
Safety Tips for Clients
Lock the brakes on the wheelchair when you start a therapy dog visit.
Some wheelchair users may need a wheelchair seat belt during a visit. Leaning over to pat a therapy dog may pose a danger for some people in wheelchairs.
Safety Tips for Therapy Dogs
Take a cautious approach around wheels, especially if your therapy
dog isn’t used to navigating around wheelchairs. Tails and paws can
easily get trapped.
Watch around corners and entryways in corridors. Some wheelchair
users can drive too fast, especially in power chairs.
For more information on wheelchair etiquette, check these useful web sites:
