# Ask The Real Live Guy In A Real Wheelchair. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 3, 2012, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307 "2012-08-03T15:41:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/21 "2012-08-03T19:47:26Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > Power baby! > > I need to get some red flame sneakers to wear. Who gets electric wheel chairs and who doesn’t? I lived in an institutional care home for about a year, several years ago. MOST (but not all) of the people there were totally indigent, and living on SSI and Medi-Medi. Among the wheelers, some had electric chairs and some didn’t. But I don’t know who was who, in terms of who was on Medi-Medi and who had their own financial means. I suspected that those who could afford, got electric chairs. The indigents on Medi-Medi got crap. Just my best speculation there. Can you tell us any more or better information about that? ---
**Author:** ![VernWinterbottom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/c67d28/32.png) [@VernWinterbottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VernWinterbottom)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/22 "2012-08-03T19:53:15Z")
Would you date a carer? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/23 "2012-08-03T19:56:43Z")
No. I am on Medicade, Social Security disability and Medicare. I can’t speculate on other people. I have been very blessed. The state and feds are helping me a great deal. I have been very careful with my money, so I have no major problems yet. Fingers crossed. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/24 "2012-08-03T19:58:41Z")
> [@VernWinterbottom](#): > > Would you date a carer? As long as she is fine with watching a movie with my arm around her, which is all I can do, then yes. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/25 "2012-08-03T20:13:25Z")
I think I’ve asked this before, but I will again: When I meet someone in a wheelchair I am uncomfortable talking to them while looking down on them. If a chair is handy I pull it up, but if not I often kneel down so I can talk to them eye-to-eye. Is this perceived as condescending or courteous? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/26 "2012-08-03T20:17:29Z")
> [@Khadaji](#): > > I think I’ve asked this before, but I will again: When I meet someone in a wheelchair I am uncomfortable talking to them while looking down on them. If a chair is handy I pull it up, but if not I often kneel down so I can talk to them eye-to-eye. Is this perceived as condescending or courteous? I don’t know. I just got it today, I can’t leave the house until the ramp is built. I’ll let you know. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/27 "2012-08-03T20:58:50Z")
Is there anybody out there who would like to see your untimely demise? Perhaps a disgruntled devotee? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/28 "2012-08-03T21:06:44Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > Is there anybody out there who would like to see your untimely demise? Perhaps a disgruntled devotee? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/29 "2012-08-03T21:08:37Z")
**BMalion** , will you be in the wheelchair all the time? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/30 "2012-08-03T21:29:07Z")
> [@EmilyG](#): > > **BMalion** , will you be in the wheelchair all the time? Some day, maybe. I still try to walk as much as possible. About 5-10 feet with a walker. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/31 "2012-08-03T21:58:42Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > I don’t know. I just got it today, I can’t leave the house until the ramp is built. > > I’ll let you know. Who’s building the ramp for you? Is that something you have to shell out for yourself, find a contractor, etc. or is this part of the services that come along with being newly-wheeled? Enjoy your new toy! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/32 "2012-08-03T22:07:38Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > By the way, I just posted a photo on Facebook, I am Brian Malion. Can you link to it? there are two Brian Malions on FB,and one is not in a wheelchair and the other hasn’t made his pictures public. How do you deal financially? Do you hold a job? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/33 "2012-08-03T23:48:32Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Who’s building the ramp for you? Is that something you have to shell out for yourself, find a contractor, etc. or is this part of the services that come along with being newly-wheeled? > > Enjoy your new toy! 🙂 Thanks! The city of Cleveland will provide it. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2012, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/34 "2012-08-03T23:50:23Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > Can you link to it? there are two Brian Malions on FB,and one is not in a wheelchair and the other hasn’t made his pictures public. > > How do you deal financially? Do you hold a job? I am in Cleveland, Ohio. No job, I’m on disability retirement. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/35 "2012-08-04T00:01:09Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > Some day, maybe. I still try to walk as much as possible. About 5-10 feet with a walker. What do you find hardest to adjust to, as far as living life from a wheelchair? How old are you? ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/36 "2012-08-04T00:04:33Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > It was about to be submitted to my insurance company when I told them I’m now on Medicade. So they had to start all over. Holy Cromm! That is precisely what happened when my wife and I tried to get a powerchair for her. I am very pleased to hear that you have finally overcome that bureaucratic obstacle. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/37 "2012-08-04T00:09:01Z")
> [@Khadaji](#): > > I think I’ve asked this before, but I will again: When I meet someone in a wheelchair I am uncomfortable talking to them while looking down on them. If a chair is handy I pull it up, but if not I often kneel down so I can talk to them eye-to-eye. Is this perceived as condescending or courteous? I think this is open to individual interpretation. However, I’ve found that many wheelchair users find this to be condescending. Personally, I don’t give a shit myself. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/38 "2012-08-04T00:12:24Z")
Does the wheelchair have a snowplow attachment? ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/39 "2012-08-04T00:56:20Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > I think this is open to individual interpretation. However, I’ve found that many wheelchair users find this to be condescending. Personally, I don’t give a shit myself. Not in a wheelchair myself so I can’t speak to the reality of experiencing this. However, if I were in a wheelchair, I believe I would find kneeling to be condescending. However, I wouldn’t mind if someone said they’d feel more comfortable sitting while talking to me, and grabbed a chair from nearby. It’s not about being on the same eye level, it’s about the kneeling (which feels like something people only do for little kids). Regardless, play it safe and don’t kneel. It’s not a convention when dealing with adults in the US, handicapped or otherwise. By refraining from kneeling, you can be reasonably assured that you’re not offending the person in question. By kneeling, there’s a chance you might. So in terms of minimizing risk, don’t kneel! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2012, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307/40 "2012-08-04T01:00:26Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > Not in a wheelchair myself so I can’t speak to the reality of experiencing this. However, if I were in a wheelchair, I believe I would find kneeling to be condescending. However, I wouldn’t mind if someone said they’d feel more comfortable sitting while talking to me, and grabbed a chair from nearby. It’s not about being on the same eye level, it’s about the kneeling (which feels like something people only do for little kids). > > Regardless, play it safe and don’t kneel. It’s not a convention when dealing with adults in the US, handicapped or otherwise. By refraining from kneeling, you can be reasonably assured that you’re not offending the person in question. By kneeling, there’s a chance you might. So in terms of minimizing risk, don’t kneel! 🙂 I’d agree. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-real-live-guy-in-a-real-wheelchair/630307.md?page=3)