Should I have helped?

LegacyUser

I was walking in the same direction as a guy (about the same age as me, in his 20s) in a wheelchair was going. He seemed to be having a bit of a struggle going along the path (there's not much of an angle on the path, but there is one). I thought that I should ask if he wanted a push, but I didn't know if he'd be offended by me thinking he needed help. As it turned out, I just walked on.

I don't know if there are any wheelchair users here on boards, but I feel somewhat guilty for not helping. Would you be offended if someone offered to help push you along, or would you prefer to manage by yourself?

Lex_Diamonds

Id say as long as you asked in a non patronising way it would be grand.

Tyrrial

well it can't hurt to ask the wosrt they could say is fúck off

Tusky

Well if they are having trouble then its silly if they get offended...just make sure you ask nicely

daveg

My dad has been wheelchair bound for the past 25 years. He hates it when people are patronising and make him feel like he can't do anything for himself.

However if you said "can I give you a hand mate" or something along those lines as oppsed to "can I help you up the hill" you would have been fine.

Victor

I suspect "You look like you are having difficulty, would you like a hand" would work.

I would often offer a blind person my arm to cross the road, in particular if they look like they are in difficulty (say with roadworks) and they are usually glad.

A hand up, not a hand out.

Mewzel

if they were having trouble i wouldnt have thought they would be offended at an offer of help

The Corinthian

Originally posted by Unreg
I feel somewhat guilty for not helping.

What is this 'guilt' thing you speak of..?

(tbh, if you feel so guilty at something like this that you feel you need to post anonymously then you do have some issues to resolve, alright)

Sangre

I just recently help a woman in a wheelchair through a door with a little ramp in front of it.
All I said was 'Would you like a had?' as she was having difficulty staying on the ramp and opening the door.
She was quite grateful, and I didnt linger, just held opened the door, said goodbye and walked on.

Gavin

Originally posted by Victor
I suspect "You look like you are having difficulty, would you like a hand" would work.

Jeese, I'd expect a **** off after saying that. One thing to just offer a hand, another to state that you think they need it. I'd imagine that would rub people up the wrong way unless they were desperate.

Gav