why do people ask people in wheelchairs how fast does that go?

Answer 1

LOL! I have heard people say that very thing when I was working as an RN. Mostly it was a joke.

I think it's a way walking individuals try to relieve some of the anxiety they feel being around a handicapped person.

I use a cane now, but for a considerable time I used a walker and wheelchair. (Lots of fractures. Long story.)

I could sense that some people felt a bit awkward around me. They were so busy trying to guess why I used those things, that they just clammed up and averted their gaze.

It's much better (at least it was for me) if people would just ask me straight out about it. Not chat about the weather pretending all the while that they aren't really that curious.

Humor is a great tension reliever. I found that if I said something funny first, then they felt safe to ask some questions. Sometimes I would point to a compass I had on my walker and say: "You NEVER know when you might get lost in the wilderness...........with a walker." Yeah, sure, right, LOL!

Immediately the awkwardness was over and friendly conversations were started.

Answer 2

Some people don't even LOOK at people in wheelchairs cos they are embarassed at so obvious a disability. I try to speak to people in wheelchairs and last week nearly got knocked down by one, but didn't have the heart to report her for speeding in a supermarket!!!!! If you have a heart of any kind, you must try to at least pass the time of day with that person, maybe they just have a broken leg or a simple condition, but the normal person doesn't ask that question, because they are frightened and embarassed as if people in wheelchairs are any different from us. I am sure they appreciate a good old gossip like us all. And the average Jo is scared something may happen to them, and can't conceive of a life in a wheelchair. Ignorance thats what.

Answer 3

I also wonder how fast an electric wheelchair goes. I'm sure a lot off people are more than happy to discuss it. Afterall they know more than we (those w/o chairs) do. It's NOT rude. Rude would be making fun of them because they have to use a wheelchair.

Answer 4

I think people don't think when they ask this question. People aren't considerate of another person's feelings. They are more focused on the speed of a wheelchair than how that person is dealing with the lose of their ability to walk. Yes, the curiosity is there but the question shouldn't have been address to the disabled person.

Answer 5

it's like asking a guy on a motorcycle. the wheelchaired people in my middle school are envied, they get out of class 5 mins early. *which is odd, because, wheelchairs go pretty dang fast.*...

Answer 6

I think that people think that it must be cool to have a wheelchair-not the handi-cap that goes with it but it is a means of wheels, and anywhere there's a set of wheels there's someone wanting to race

Answer 7

While I am certainly glad to be able to walk, sometimes I think those motorized chairs look a bit fun. Like bumper cars, but different. Of course, I'm too shy to ask about them for fear that someone would be offended.

Answer 8

they dont think about how the person feels about being in the wheelchair,and they are just ignorant.

Answer 9

i myself find it better that people ask me the questions instead of just stare i would love it when people ask me questions like this because i give them a whacked out answer like it depends on how big the rockets are and stuff lol it makes things more comfortable

Answer 10

So I don't need to open a seperate Q - how fast DO they go? Anyone know?