We got a reader comment from Jeff in
Michigan, asking which we prefer: that an able-bodied person bend down
to talk to us, kneel down, or stay at their own height? Here's what Jeff
had to say:
"A lot of people, myself included, would prefer to just talk to someone instead of them bending down to 'our level'...I think some people feel like it makes them feel like they are a kid again."
Chris's Take: As far as I'm concerned, I view
it as a sign of respect when someone makes the effort to come down to my
level. Ideally, the best way to do this is to kneel down or to pull up a
chair so that we can have a conversation and be able to hear each
other. It's also very useful for everybody to fit into a shot for a
picture being taken. However, it can be awkward when someone leans
against your chair for purposes of conversation, pictures, etc. It feels
like an invasion of personal space, even though the person is probably
well-intentioned. Also it can cause problems with your wheelchair where
it may cause you to crash into a wall or someone else. In the rare instance where a person leans in
almost as a false gesture the same way they would lean in towards a
child, then it can be awkward and disrespectful. I have noticed that often it is adults who
take the initiative to create and maintain eye contact. In my
experience, the longer many people have been around, the more they
realize that it is important to relate to others. I would rather have
someone take steps to relate than to not even bother to do so at all.
Dan's Take: I personally really enjoy when
somebody kneels down to my level. It allows me to make eye-to-eye
contact with them, which to me creates a more personal connection. The
physical motion of somebody looming over me to listen does make me feel
like a child in some sense, as it creates a more intimidating
atmosphere. In terms of taking a picture, I would never get upset if
someone kneeled down to my level. In fact some of the best pictures I've
taken are when friends or family are next to me and we're all at the
same head level. It makes me feel like more of an equal. This is all
personal preference of course, both for the person with a disability and
the able-bodied person with whom he's conversing.
These are our views, but we'd love to hear
some of yours, so please share!
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