The web page argues that wheelchairs are tools for mobility, freedom, and independence, not confinement or restriction. It gives examples of people who use wheelchairs for sports, travel, and everyday life, and challenges the negative stereotypes and media portrayals of wheelchair users. An opinion piece by a wheelchair user who argues that the term "wheelchair bound" is demeaning and inaccurate.
He suggests alternative expressions and invites comments from other wheelchair users. Shannon Kelly, a wheelchair user and deputy editor of Disability Horizons, argues that the term 'wheelchair-bound' portrays a negative image of people with disabilities. She suggests using more positive language and improving accessibility to change the narrative and perception of disability.
The term "wheelchair bound" implies that people who use wheelchairs are physically or mentally tied to their devices, which is not true. Learn why this phrase is offensive and how to use more respectful and accurate language to describe disability. When speaking to or about someone with a disability, it's important to make note of which terminology is offensive, outdated & inappropriate.
A wheelchair is a mobility device, like a skateboard, car or bus - you wouldn't describe a car driver as "car bound"! Wheelchairs enable people to move around more easily than if they didn't have a wheelchair - in fact, wheelchair users are the opposite of being "bound" by their wheelchair! Unable to walk through injury, illness, etc and relying on a wheelchair to move around. Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video. When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, consider distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles (curbs, stairs, steep hills, etc.).
Offer to tell where accessible rest rooms, telephones, and water fountains are located. Do not say: "Wheelchair bound" or describe someone as "confined to a wheelchair". For example, "Amy Jones, who uses a wheelchair, spoke about her experience with using accessible transportation." 14.
Create balanced human-interest stories instead of tear-jerking stories. Tearjerkers about incurable diseases, congenital disabilities or severe injury that are intended to elicit pity perpetuate negative stereotypes. Resources.
Opposite, that wheelchair allows me to be mobile, to perform daily activities and responsibilities, simply, wheelchair allow me to live life to the fullest. Yet, for most people I remain "confined to a wheelchair".