I found this to be a thought provoking article in the New York Times sharing the perspective of a wheelchair user.
A doctor examining the feet of the author. A lack of sensation can lead to injuries.CreditCreditPhotographs by Nolan Ryan Trowe
At the West Fourth Street basketball courts in Greenwich Village.
 Waiting for an elevator at a subway station. |  Washington Square Park. |
Police officers carrying the author’s wheelchair at the Utica Avenue station on the A line, where the elevator was out of service.
Union Square subway station.
A car too crowded for a wheelchair.
 The view from a wheelchair on a full train. |  Inside the elevator at the Utica Avenue subway station. |
A passenger holding the door of the elevator open at the 34th Street-Penn Station subway stop.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
If you are ever at a cocktail party with someone in a wheelchair, find some chairs to place around them so people can sit and chat. I can't tell you how much it hurts my neck to look up at people!
It seems obvious, but hold doors open (and if you have a friend, two doors open are easier to navigate through over one door).
Don't look at your phone while walking. People often walk right into me because I have no height! Especially in crowds.
If you have children, make sure they don't run into our chair, kids often aren't paying attention and when running around don't look and I don't want to crush little feet!
Don't be afraid to offer help, I'm often too shy to ask, but if you see me struggling, I am so grateful to accept your offer!
If you own or attend a business with one or two steps out front (or don't own it but frequent the establishment and want to point it out to management), there are inexpensive portable wheelchair ramps that can be brought out when needed.
If you are ever at a cocktail party with someone in a wheelchair, find some chairs to place around them so people can sit and chat. I can't tell you how much it hurts my neck to look up at people!
It seems obvious, but hold doors open (and if you have a friend, two doors open are easier to navigate through over one door).
Don't look at your phone while walking. People often walk right into me because I have no height! Especially in crowds.
If you have children, make sure they don't run into our chair, kids often aren't paying attention and when running around don't look and I don't want to crush little feet!
Don't be afraid to offer help, I'm often too shy to ask, but if you see me struggling, I am so grateful to accept your offer!
If you own or attend a business with one or two steps out front (or don't own it but frequent the establishment and want to point it out to management), there are inexpensive portable wheelchair ramps that can be brought out when needed.
Just a few ideas off the cuff, please send me your ideas or questions!
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