What NOT To Do:

•  Don't lean over the person's wheelchair or ask him/her to hold items for you.

•  Don't push or touch a person's wheelchair without asking first, whether it is to help them or just to say hello.

•  Ramps and doorways specifically designed for people in wheelchairs are to be unlocked and unblocked.  Do not block aisles or entrances with displays.

•  Never grab a person a person who uses canes or crutches; they need these for balance.

•  Don't open or close a door that a person is using for support, this will make them unstable.

What TO Do:

•  When helping anyone with a disability ask for specific instructions on how you can help him/her.

•  Keep all entrances, aisles, and pathways clear of items. If floors are wet or slippery, place appropriate signage on the floors to prevent falls.  

•  When talking to a wheelchair user, grab a chair to sit next to him/her so that you are eye level.

•  Step around counters if they are too high to provide service and offer a clipboard to write on.

•  Let a person who uses an assisted device know where the most accessible routes in a building are located by signing and by knowledgeable receptionists or security guards.

•  Provide areas of rest, such as chairs or benches, for people who have trouble walking long distances.

•  If someone has limited use of their hands, offer assistance to carry or lift items, open doors, and operate equipment.