When you befriend someone in a wheelchair:?

Question

1. Can you ask what happened?
2. What kind of questions are "ok"?

Truthfully, I'm in a wheelchair and I was just wondering what people were thinking when they meet me. Thanks.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Having a friend in a wheelchair is no different than having a friend who is able bodied. What would you do if a friend had a large scar on their face? Would ask what happened? Treat your friend in the wheelchair the same way. As long as you are asking as a curious friend rather than treating them as some kind of freak, I can't imagine it would be a big deal.

Of course everyone is different. If your friend is a very sensitive person, you may need to use a bit more discretion when asking.

Answer 3

1. Yes.
2. Sensitive questions are the safest. But it also depends on how the person feels about being in a wheelchair. Some people are really open about it and would gladly answer any questions. Some would rather not talk about certain things.

Answer 4

God created everyone with all his heart and mind. Some people are born with physical limitations, other people are in life changing accidents. God wants us to accept all people handicap or not. (sometimes the real handicap isn't physical, its emotional maturity).
I'm not saying your immature, (unfortunately some ignorant and naive people are). I think people in wheelchairs probably hate to be stared at, or treated differently. Most people walk right by them without a thought, just like they might walk by a homeless person , or mentally retarded person. I commend you in your inner strength self respect, and respect for others to befriend someone in a wheelchair. I think your new friend is worthy of your respect, but asking questions only shows concern and interest in his/her life. They know they are in a wheelchair, and unless your rude about it, they wont be offended. In fact, they might be offended if you choose to ignore the wheelchair.
All i can add is just be the person's friend cause they deserve friendship, it takes a special person to look past someones wheelchair. God bless you and take care.



Peace,
Bridget

Answer 5

1) yes - ask away - but use good manners when doing so. For example "I am interested how you become disabled. Are you ok to tell me about it?" and NOT - "why are you a cripple?"

2) anything really - but use a bit of common sense as to what is appropriate. A wheelchair is very obvious - so it is ok to ask about the reason they are in a chair.
If you are already friends - you would have already know a bit about how they are in the wheelchair. As one person already said - don't ask stuff like "are you hurt?", "can you have sex?"
Ask yourself, if someone ask me this same question, would I feel like answering? Would I feel the person asking me is prying into my personal and private affairs?

I have several friends who are in powerchairs - and one very close friend in a powerchair most of his life. Look beyond the chair and get to know the PERSON.

Answer 6

don't listen to those other people, they're just stupid. my grandpa is in a wheelchair so he knows. anyhoo, you wanna make sure that the person is really comfortable with you. like they can talk and laugh with you and you guys hardly ever have awkward silence. then maybe one day you could just say "hey, i don't wanna offend you or anything, but just outta curiosity, how did you become paralyzed?" and then they'll feel more comfortable and open up. i wish you and your new friend the best of luck! and no worries, if they get a little silent, just change the subject. if you're good enough friends, then he/she should understand. but just don't ask questions like "does it hurt anywhere?" " how do you pee??" "what's it like when you sleep? uncomfortable??"" and if you avoid that stuff, you'll be fine.

Answer 7

Yes you can. Just say "I hope you don't mind me asking but what caused you to have to be in a wheelchair?"

Answer 8

1. Yes.
2. Anything and everything under the sun:)

Answer 9

treat them like a normal person

and then when u get friendlier they will tell u

they like to be treated like a normal person and act normal even if they are in a wheelchair

Answer 10

Ask. Simply ask what happened. A sincere interest is usually appreciated. Just don't define the person by the chair- it is part of them but only part!