Tips on How to Help a Disabled Stranger in Public

We've all seen the elderly man with his walker struggling to make it to his car or the woman in the wheelchair desperately trying to cross a busy street on her own. We may wish to help, but for fear of being offensive or even putting ourselves in danger, we resist. However, while there is no flawless list of rules, there are general steps that can be taken to ensure that your aiding a neighbor is both safe and welcome. Consider the following tips on how to help a disabled stranger in public for a few guidelines.

Tip #1: Ask yourself if this person truly needs your help. Individuals with limited mobility grasp their limitations, and they are fully aware of what they can and cannot handle when they venture out on their own. As such, be careful to analyze the true need before offering what may be an unwelcome hand. If a person is truly in distress, you'll know. Otherwise, give the situation a moment or two and allow the disabled individual a chance to maintain dignity.

Tip #2: Register any lack of eye contact. When we need help, our first reaction is generally to scan our immediate surroundings for any willing volunteers. If a disabled person appears to be in distress and is looking around, namely at you, in an attempt to make eye contact, you may be needed for assistance. On the other hand, if you find yourself running down a person "in need" who is facing away from you, you may find yourself receiving a mixed reaction for your "generosity."

Tip #3: Be quiet about it. If you are certain that a disabled stranger is in need of your help, try not to attract unwanted attention to that individual and their condition. Just as you wouldn't cause a commotion over holding a door open for the person behind you, neither should you create a stir over going out of your way to help someone who may be unable to help themselves in a public place. Placing yourself in their position, and understanding that bringing even more attention upon an unfortunate physical ailment, may help curb any unnecessary enthusiasm.

Tip #4: Check the individual's demeanor for your own safety. Being disabled does not prevent a total stranger from being hostile, or even dangerous. Just as you would be cautious of anyone you aren't familiar with, so should you be wary of helping someone disabled who does not appear receptive of such a social encounter.

Tip #5: Help those only within a reasonable proximity. Of course, this tip is generalized. If a disabled individual has fallen or is in dire trouble within your scope of vision, helping is understandable. However, rushing across the grocery store parking lot to help a disabled person with a mundane task may cause alarm, fear, and/or a rebuke. Just as you wouldn't wish for a total stranger to approach you from a great distance without obvious cause, a disabled individual may not wish to be chased down by an overzealous "good Samaritan."

Tip #6: Upon helping a disabled stranger, speak respectfully and briefly. Again, maintaining dignity for the other person is essential to truly being helpful to your neighbor. Condescending or parental tones are neither necessary nor appreciated. A person's physical ailment does not generally affect their mental sharpness. Asking about the details of a disability or enlightening a disabled individual about what can be done to alleviate their struggles is not in your best interest, nor is such behavior respectful of one's privacy.

Imagine yourself suffering from a physical disability for a moment, and consider the affects such a predicament would have upon your self-esteem, pride, and sense of self. Again, the above tips are generalized and are meant to ensure not only your safety but also that your aid is welcome and needed. With these guidelines in mind, however, using your own judgment when helping out a disabled stranger in public is always best.