PSA:Never, under any circumstances, “help” somewhere in a wheelchair unless you have been given clear instructions on how to do so.
I was visiting my step-dad and we were around a dozen elderly people.
I had just arrived and I was doing a small wheelie to get up the lip of the garage. It was a double lip so it wasn’t as easy as a single, but not a big deal.
An older gentleman (maybe 70? 75?) came up behind me and pushed me down. I lunged forward am most fell out of my chair because he pushed me with such force and I went down and my front wheel caught on the second lip. Luckily I was by the edge of the garage door and was able to grab onto the railing.
I Immediately started fussing at him telling him to never touch me unless given permission.
He Looked me point blank in the eyes and said but you’re supposed to go up backwards. That’s why you almost fell.
Uh. No. I Feel because you shoved me.
I told him after 16 years I think I know what I’m doing far better than he does.
I don’t have handles on my wheelchair for a reason.
You need to wait for instructions on how to assist me when and if I need it.
My mom’s reaction to my reaction was to tell everyone it’s scary not having legs that work.
I Said no it’s annoying to have people touch you when they haven’t been given permission.
It has nothing to do with whether my legs work or not.
Luckily this is an extremely rare occurrence for me.