I've been in a wheelchair for only a handful of months, and, in the disabled world, it's quite a controversy to some if you help out paraplegics or any other handicapped person. Some, like this little girl, found it helpful. But I do know that I've used my disability to get people to do things for me that I can do just on my own. Or, others with a disability don't want help/could see it as pity. It's a constant struggle...
#1 - by halobear11
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In response to halobear11, it's a shame that a lot of those with disabilities don't want help because they see it as pity. I can see why they think that.. but it'd be great if you could help them and not get blamed for doing it out of pity or making them look bad. But as for the OP, I'm glad you helped the little girl despite the fact her mother obviously disagrees with it.
Well in the mother's defense how could she have known you weren't a predator or some such. If I saw a complete stranger wheeling my child around I would probably freak a bit too. Having said that, what you did was by no means wrong, I can just see her point of view.
#3 - by Puritymfkr
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Ok confession my dad's in a wheelchair you don't know what you're talking about YouAreGorgeous. It's a shame people assume my dad can't do anything for himself. He reminds us they don't know any better and think they're helping but I understand what he means. He wants recognition for his strengths not his weakness.
Sometimes it's nice to get help though, some ramps are tough to get up! I've always appreciated it when someone's asked if they could help me. I'm not always in a wheelchair, just sometimes, but I agree with YouAreGorgeous - it's a shame people can't offer help without it seeming like pity instead of helpfulness. If someone's struggling, why shouldn't someone be able to help? I'm not talking about people who just assume you need/want help with everything, but if someone's visibly struggling, why not?
#5 - by elcisitiak
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