Etiquette tips:
Individuals who use wheelchairs

People-First Language

Appropriate terminology for people with disabilities begins with always putting the person first. Some common terms used in describing people who use wheelchairs:

• Paraplegia refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body involving the partial or total loss of function of both legs.

• Hemiplegia refers to full or partial paralysis of one side of the body caused by brain damage most often due to disease, trauma, or stroke.

• Quadriplegia refers to paralysis of the body involving partial or total loss of function in both arms and both legs.

Terms to Avoid

• Wheelchair-bound
• Confined to a wheelchair

Say, instead, “uses a wheelchair.”

General guidelines

• Treat adults as adults. Address people with disabilities by their first names only when calling everyone else present by their first names.

• Speak directly to the person who is using the wheelchair and not to an assistant or interpreter who may be present.

• When having a conversation that is going to last longer than a few minutes, take a seat, whenever possible, to place yourself at the person’s eye level to facilitate conversation.

• When introduced to a person with a disability it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear artificial limbs can usually shake hands.

• Shaking hands with the left hand is acceptable.

• Don’t patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulders.

• Never lean on a person’s wheelchair. The chair is part of the space that belongs to the person who uses it.

• If someone is not able to identify you, greet him or her, identify yourself, and explain why you are there.

• If a person is not able to communicate with you, tell him or her why you are there.

• Do not go up to people using wheelchairs and start pushing them. The wheelchair is part of their personal space. Ask first if they would like assistance.

• When offering assistance, wait until the offer is accepted, then listen to or ask for instructions. You should also be prepared for the offer to be declined.

• Don’t be embarrassed to use commonly accepted phrases — like “Got to be running along” — that seem to relate to the person’s disability.

• Offer to hold or carry packages in a welcoming manner. For example, ask “May I help you with your packages?”

• Consider the needs of people who use wheelchairs when planning events by considering access to facilities. Ask people what they will need to participate.

Additional resources

The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, “Manual of Style for Depicting People with Disabilities in the Media,” Chicago , Illinois.

Web site: http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/
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