At least 25 million persons in the US are estimated to have problems with mobility. Of these, approximately 500,000 use wheelchairs.

According to the handbook “Free Wheeling,” published by the Regional Rehabilitation Research Institute on Attitudinal, Legal and Leisure Barriers, Washington, D. C., here are some ways we can help remove attitudinal and physical barriers for people in wheelchairs.

1. The wheelchair is part of the person’s physical body space.

Don’t automatically hold it or lean on it. This can be appropriate if you’re friends, but not so if you’re a stranger. It’s like invading someone’s personal space. If someone\'s ever walked into your office, sat at your chair and started messing with your things, you know about this.

2. Don’t worry about using words like “running” or “hiking.”

Any more than a pilot should worry about using \"flying\" with you, or a football player would worry about using \"place kicking.\"

3. If it’s a conversation of more than a few minutes, and you can, consider sitting down so eye contact is level.

It\'s courteous. It\'s uncomfortable to look straight up for an extended period of time.

4. Respectfully offer assistance if you think it might be needed, asking if you can do something to help.

If they need help, they\'ll tell you exactly what to do. If it’s declined, don’t insist. Not only is that offensive, but you can upset their balance.

5. When selecting a meeting place for someone in a wheelchair, be cognizant of architectural barriers.

Ask yourself \"How could someone in a wheel chair get in here?”

6. Advocate for an inclusive approach. Include people with disabilities in promotional materials, like photos on your website or in your ads.

Reward the media when you see people with disabilities presented as competent or “like other people,” urges the Institute. Send a note of support to the producer or publisher.

7. Talk to the person in a wheelchair.

Because they cannot walk or stand doesn’t mean they can’t talk.

8. Make it a point to try to reduce barriers in your physical surroundings – your home, your office, church, town, and organization meeting places.

Imagine yourself maneuvering any of these places in a wheelchair, and you’ll quickly get the picture. Encourage ramps, modified bathrooms, wide doors and accessible telephones. Encourage your community to put \"curb cuts\" in sidewalks. They are inexpensive and allow for independence.

9. Don\'t park in accessible parking places.

They\'re necessary for someone in a wheelchair - wider than normal to allow room for the wheelchair, and closer to the entrace so there can be less pushing.

10. And here is a special request from the Institute: “If you wish to contribute to an organization that uses a ‘pity’ or ‘sympathy’ campaign, enclose a note with your check saying that the cause may be good, but the method of public appeal is demeaning to citizens with disabilities. Voice your disapproval of the ‘poor cripple’ image.\"

-----------------------------------------

(c)Susan Dunn, MA, Emotional Intelligence Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc. Offering coaching, Internet courses, teleclasses and ebooks around Emotional Intelligence.  I train and certify EQ coaches.  Email for info on this affordable, fast, flexible, no-residency program. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc.  For FREE ezine, email me and put \"ezine\" for subject line.