Everyday: How to behave around people with canes, walkers and wheelchairs

[Animala]

This is for people around those with canes/walkers/wheelchairs.  Here is a sister thread for the other way around. http://www.etiquettehell.com/smf/index.php?topic=54150.0

~ Don't point, it is always rude.
~ Don't touch the cane/walker/wheelchair without permission.  It isn't you property.
~ Holding the door open is always polite and it is especially kind when someone is having a difficult time managing everything through the door.  Letting the door slam on someone is always rude, doing it to someone with limited mobility earns you extra rude points.
~ Having a cane/walker/wheelchair does not mean the person is deaf, please do not discuss them loudly.
~ Most people with limited mobility don't mind children asking them questions.  It isn't rude to ask.
~ If you bump into someone with limited mobility please apologize and make sure they are OK instead of just walking off.
~ It is never, ever OK to kick someone's cane while they are walking, ever.
~ Please just be patient.  People with mobility issues may move slowly but rushing around them is rude and earning you negative karma points.


edited to add link

[FoxPaws]

- Offer assistance - and respect whatever response is given - rather than simply jumping in and "helping" unasked. What you're doing may not be helpful, and might even be dangerous or painful to the recipient.

[SquishyMooMoo]

Additionally, rushing around someone with mobility issues or interfering with their cane/walker/wheelchair greatly increases the risk that they will trip, fall, or be otherwise injured.

If you are working in a place of business and a customer comes in using a cane/walker/wheelchair, be aware.

If you're the hostess at a restaurant and there's a long wait, try to find an extra chair if that person needs to sit down.

If you are escorting someone to their seat, be aware that they may move slowly or have difficulty maneuvering between tables/up stairs or ramps. Be patient, walk slowly, and try to clear the way if possible (tuck in chairs, etc.) It's always nice to ask if a booth or table is better (even if you're not generally offering the choice to people--sometimes it's difficult to get into/out of booths.)

If the person has a walker, offer to stow it for them in an out-of-the-way place--but make sure to bring it back later when they are ready to leave! Or make sure they/their companion(s) know where it is. Generally these people know that a walker in the aisle can be dangerous or difficult to work around, and are looking for a place to stow it if you don't offer.