How to Hold a Door for a Wheelchair

Many people in wheelchairs are capable of caring for themselves.

It is a situation that plays itself out in communities around the world each day: You see a person in a wheelchair approaching a door to a building. Many able-bodied people do not know how to react to this situation -- and with good reason. Your instinct may be to run up and grab the door for the person, but he may not appreciate the help. Those who use wheelchairs may not need your help, and by rushing to "help" before it is apparent that they need assistance can deprive them of the opportunity to care for themselves.

Instructions

1. Politely ask the wheelchair-bound person if she needs assistance. She may not need your help but will probably appreciate the fact that you acknowledged that possibility. Most people in wheelchairs are able to open doors without difficulty unless their lap is full or the door is heavy.

2. Open the door from the outside if you do hold the door open for the wheelchair-bound person, and check that your body and feet are clear from the path of the wheelchair. If you open the door from the inside, your body will be in the way and the person may not be able to enter without bumping you or running over your foot.

3. Hold the door until she has entered or exited completely. Then, close the door, or allow it to close naturally.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not ask the person if she needs help if the door is power-assisted. Power-assisted doors are designed to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and all she must do to open the door is push a button.

• If the person approaches the door with confidence and does not appear to need assistance, don't ask him if he needs help. Allow him to do it on his own.

• Avoid gasping or commenting if she scrapes her wheel on the door. She is fine, and wheelchairs are designed to take impact.

• Do not comment on how brave she is to venture out or on how difficult getting around must be. This will seem like pity, and many people will not appreciate your comments, even if you mean well.

References

• United States Access Board: ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)
• Disability Campaign: Joni's Wheelchair Etiquette
• United Spinal Association: Disability Etiquette