'Helping' a wheelchair user

I was looking after my friends DD (who is a wheelchair user) at an event in a cathedral, as the bishops procession was about to pass through one of his attendants walked over to us, pointed at friends DD and said "move that". I was shocked and sickened, He hadn't seen a child at all, just a chair that was in the way.
Some people are bloody rude OP.
Hope your DD is ok now.

I'm in a wheelchair and have experienced people offering to help (always appreciated), and deciding to help. One is great, the other is terrifying. It feels like an assault, and I don't think non wheelchair users get this. I've also been moved out of the way, spoken to like a child, spoken about as if I'm not there etc. It's shocking how bad people will act while 'being kind' or 'helping'. No advice, but lots of understanding.

It hadn't occurred to me that people even do this, it's insane. My Dad has recently started needing an attendant propelled chair and I've found people to be so kind and helpful. But we're very new to it and it's very exhausting pushing a chair around. All the manoeuvring is really hard.

I'm sure self propelled is a different kettle of fish.

It's like grabbing an old person's arm and dragging them across the road without asking.

Just a crystal clear example that a lot of people only see the wheelchair, not the person in it .

Totally out of order. I have a family member (child) who uses a wheelchair and sometimes staff in shops have literally just taken it upon themselves to move his chair if he’s in there way. I’ve fully taken them to task on this, pointing out that he isn’t a piece of furniture and they wanted just pick up or shove another 8 year old out of the way, they’d talk to them or the adult with them. It’s amazing the shit people will do without thinking about how intrusive it is.

Correction above, they wouldnt just move another child

Ha, yes, can you imagine supermarket staff just lifting random children out of the way? It would never happen, and oddly people don't do it to prams or buggies much, either.

I’ve been moved out of the way many times in shops.

It's disgusting behaviour, isn't it @TinklyLittleLaugh ?

I also periodically get people stand still and tut at me. Whether for existing or for being in their way, I'm never sure. That's not much better, TBH.

If you and /or your daughter are Twitter users, I'd suggest looking up the #JustAskDontGrab hashtag, discussing the difficulties caused to disabled people by supposed "well-meaning helpers" which can result in anxiety, stress and downright danger at times.

A lot of people are sharing similar stories, discussing strategies and educating others. and you (both) might find it useful.

To quote @BlondeHistorian " #JustAskDontGrab (is) forever connects with it. If you’ve had these experiences then it’s your hashtag too! Wheelchair users, people with canes or walkers, people with Guide dogs or canes. If someone has unhelpfully grabbed you then feel free to talk about it. Thank you for sharing"

OP I'm so angry for your DD- that must have been an absolutely terrifying experience.

Although the comment that I'm a bit about is - I’ve learnt not to do that

@Henrysmycat is this a phrase I'm unfamiliar with? Because I can't grasp why you would need to learn not to do this? Surely you just KNOW that this is disgusting.

That sounds bloody scary, imagine some stranger coming up and taking control of your legs, just dragging you off somewhere! I’ve never considered doing something like that to a wheelchair user, have offered help with packing shopping (packing areas can be awkward to reach fully when seated) and folded people’s chairs into their boots once they’re in their car.

Of course a wheelchair user not in the way becomes invisible ...

So true @DGRossetti

Just a crystal clear example that a lot of people only see the wheelchair, not the person in it

This. The people trying to justify it are part of the problem that people with a disablity face on a daily basis.

If you wouldn't do it to someone who wasn't disabled, don't fucking do it to someone who is!

On the plus side, the way modern developments are going - rough cobbled pavements, bumps everywhere, broken lifts and cluttered shops, there will probably be fewer people able to use wheelchairs "in the wild" year on year. So it's a temporary problem ....

Dillydally wind your neck in, calling me disgusting. There’s nothing disgusting about wanting to help and not thinking about it causing offence. Now, I know better.