Susan MD
Finally a discussion on wheelchair/Scooter manners!!! I am partially ambulatory and get so frustrated with the rudeness of others when I am in a chair. My chair/scooter is an extension of my body…treat it as such. Appropriate social kindness is appreciated. If you would do it for someone with an arm load of packages, assume it is ok to offer to me also. (open door, pick up a dropped item…) Please do not cut in front of me like I do not exist and separate me from my friends and family and small children. I am a person on a scooter trying to keep up with my kids not a semi on the freeway that you do not want to get stuck behind. It is ok to explain my disability to your children in postive non derogetory terms. I can’t walk, but my mind is fine!!! Scooters do not come with brakes, only accelerators. I can not stop if you rudely cut in front of me…Do so at your own risk!!! Yes you may use the handicapped restroom stall without incurring a fine and you do not have to rush me to the head of the line when it opens though offering it would be nice. Though I have complete control of my bowels and would decline jumping to the front of the line, some in wheelchairs do not and would appreciate the offer.