Atlanta,
10
December
2013
|
00:00 AM
America/New_York

Top 10 Things Not to Say to Someone in a Wheelchair plus The Best Responses from Wheelchair Users

We had such a great response to a post last week of The Huffington Post’s “Top 10 Things You Do Not Say To Someone In A Wheelchair,” we decided to come up with our own top 10 and, for a twist, 10 witty responses. Enjoy!

  1. You’re an inspiration!
    Response: “You’re easily inspired.”
     
  2. You’re husband or wife must be a saint for taking care of you.
    Response: “Yea, this whole for better or worse thing is really working out for me.”
     
  3. It’s so great to see you out doing things!
    Response: “It’s great to be out. Please take me with you before they find me and bring me back to the hospital.”
     
  4. I broke my leg. I know exactly what it feels like to be in a wheelchair.
    Response: “The bowel program is the worst, right?”
     
  5. I was only parked there for a minute (in reference to an able-bodied person parked in a handicapped spot).
    Response: “Really, because I’ve been waiting for 10 minutes.”
     
  6. Do you race in your chair?You’re going too fast.
    Response: “I was trying to get away from you.”
     
  7. There’s a special place in heaven for you.
    Response: “Doubt it if there’s a stairway to get there.”
     
  8. Since you’re in a wheelchair, you can’t have sex, right?
    Response: “Well, not with you.”
     
  9. You look pretty normal for someone in a wheelchair.
    Response: “I used to be too good looking so I thought this wheelchair would help.”
     
  10. You seem very happy!
    Response: “I saved a bundle on my car insurance!”

For more information on spinal cord injury rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, click here.

About Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.