OK. You're walking down the street & you see a man in a wheelchair struggling at the curb. Do you help him?

Question

He's either struggling to get up the curb or down the curb, and there aren't any ramps. Do you?

Would you be afraid you might offend him by offering him your assistance?

Or afraid that he might think you're treating him like he isn't capable?

What would you do?

Answer 1

ask if he needs a hand, sometimes we all need help, opening a door with an armful of bags for example, no shame in offering or taking.

Answer 2

Well, I'd ask him first "Hey, do you need help?" and then if they reply yes, I help them. It's no big deal, helping another person, you just have to use the tone of voice that tells the person that you're cool with them, they're just another person in need like a mother and her kids stuck on the side of the road. Many people are touchy about their dissabilities, because of frustration. You just have to be cool about it. :) If the person answers no, I just say, "ok" but usually, I would stand a little ways off to see if they manage ok. If the person is still struggling and starts looking anxious, I would go and help them anyways. I know what it's like to be too proud to accept help. You just have to stand back and give them time to get over themselves so they can focus on the task at hand.

Answer 3

I have had an experience similar to this, only the person was blind. He got all upset because I tried to help him.

Now if I see a handicapped person having a problem I always ask if the need assistance. If they say no, I am on my way.

Some handicapped people are very sensitive and they don't want people to believe they are totally helpless. Human pride is a strong emotion.

Answer 4

I'd ask him if he needs a hand. There's no harm in asking in a nice way, and no hidden intent behind the question. I wouldn't feel right walking by without saying something..especially in a circumstance like you described. Those curbs can be nasty!

Answer 5

GO SO IF I CAN HELP,IT COSTS NOTHING TO ASK.I FELL OVER ON A MAIN STREET IN BRISBANE (AUSTRALIA) THERE WERE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE AND NOT ONE ASKED IF I NEEDED HELP,WHICH I DID ONCE I,M DOWN ON ALL 4s I CANNOT GET BACK UP WITHOUT HELP,THE REASON NO-ONE ASKED IS BECAUSE I WALK LIKE I,M DRUNK AS I HAVE A CONDITION CALLED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (nerve damage) I AM COMPLETELY NUMB FROM WAIST DOWN,THAT DOESN,T MEAN I DO NOT FEEL PAIN,BECAUSE I AM IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN 24/7 AND BEING EMBARASSED BECAUSE I FALL OVER ALL THE TIME.I DO NOT WANT A WHEELCHAIR,WALKING FRAME OR WALKING STICK AS IM ONLY 47yrs OLD,AND MOST PEOPLE LIKE ME WITH (PN.) SAY USE IT OR LOSE IT.SORRY ABOUT RAMBLING BUT I GET REALLY P*SSED OFF WITH PEOPLE THESE DAYS,THEIR MOTTO MUST BE LOOK AFTER ME AND ME ALONE.

Answer 6

Umm, I'd have leave him alone. We had a guy here in town that was pretending to be handicapped and then would rob whoever stopped to help. Plus, I can't lift that much weight.

Answer 7

I would do neither. I'd leave him alone because why would he go up or off the curb when sidewalks at street corners have no curbs.

Answer 8

Wow what a great giggle to start a Monday Morning. Thanks matey. I'm still laughing at the "I'm not allowed on the couch" r.o.f.l. Wish someone would tell that to my pooch, she's claimed all three in our household!.. Ha ha ha Thank for the laugh have a great week Hun ;-) soupie x

Answer 9

I wouldn't try to invade his space until I said "How's it goin'?" I would ask if he could use a push.

Next, I would ask if I could sit on his lap and ride a little down the street!! Just kidding. Well maybe not. <>

Answer 10

Of course I'd help.

Answer 11

It's a shame that in this day and age, we have to worry about whether or not someone is trying to scam us. But I would offer my assistance.