Understanding the Mobility Impaired

Understanding the mobility impaired is the first step towards effectively interacting with these individuals.

Atleast 25 million Americans have mobility impairments because empathy starts with understanding. This video will look at some common disabilities that can lead to wheelchair use. People who have trouble walking or cannot do so at all often uses wheelchair to get around. The conditions that lead to difficulty walking are varied. Some people need to be in a wheelchair from a very young age due to a childhood disorder. Like cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Cerebral palsy results from damage to the part of the developing brain that controls movement while spina bifida is the developmental birth defect of the spine. Some generative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can result to the need for wheelchair in older individuals. Parkinson’s disease happens when there is a shortage of the hormone dopamine which facilitates the brain’s control of body movements. Arthritis is a painful inflammation or weakening of the body’s joints. Traumatic events such as a stroke or serious accidents can result in paralysis or complete loss of muscle function. People who are paralyzed below the waist need to use wheelchairs. Muscular sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that can cause muscle weakness that is so severe that the wheelchair is needed. In the similar vein muscular dystrophy is the disease that causes progressive weakening of the muscles to the point of inability to walk. While people reasons for needing wheelchairs vary, the appropriate way to interact with these people does not. When speaking to someone in a wheelchair, try to sit down or atleast bend at the waist. This allows you to share eye level, prevents the person in the wheelchair from getting a stiff-necked and ensures that you do not appear oppressive. Similarly, talk directly to the person in the wheelchair, not to a companion or third party. Remember that being in a wheelchair does not make a person helpless or unable to speak. The facial position of the person in the wheelchair is only as high as the chest of people who are standing. In crowded areas, or in elevators, watch your elbows, purse or briefcase as all can get much too close for comfort. It is also important not to hold on to a person’s wheelchair which is part of that person’s space. If you would like to offer assistance, do so, but do not press the issue if you are refused. If you do help someone in a wheelchair, do not forget that they are in the chair and try to keep them engage by speaking to them as you push. Because the person in the chair cannot read your expression, you need to keep them informed in order to keep them comfortable. For example, say, “We are going to over a curve now”, before you actually do it. Over one million Americans are confined to a wheelchair. Engaging in sensitive, appropriate wheelchair etiquette, can help ensure a pleasant interaction for everyone involved.