I’ve been thinking a lot about the “powers that be.” I know there’s the American’s with Disabilities Act and that buildings have to be accessible and all. Certainly things are better now than they were decades ago for those of us who use wheelchairs to get around. And ramped curbs, handicap parking, and wide bathroom stalls are great.

But what’s your city like to live in as a wheelchair user? Are the sidewalks well-maintained? Are the special events in your city inclusive? Is it practical—not simply possible—for you to participate and get involved in local events?

If your child or grandchild is performing in a community play, can you expect that there will be reasonable accommodations for your chair when you arrive? Or do you simply know that you’ll have to ask for accommodations?

If there’s a dutch-oven dinner served as part of your summer festival, will any of the organizers have thought at all about serving those with mobility challenges? Or will you require assistance to get your meal?

I feel like I’m pretty lucky where I live. But of course, it could always be better. What about your city?

There is lots and lots of advice floating around cyberspace. We wanted to bring together some of the best tips for those who have friends, colleagues, or neighbors who use a wheelchair. Mainly due to a lack of experience, many people worry about how to act around those with physical disabilities. Certainly the best and most important tip is to simply treat the person as a person. Being in a wheelchair doesn’t define a person. Being in a wheelchair doesn’t remove a person’s need to be respected. So for those who wonder how they should behave, here are the best tips we could collect.

1. Talk at the same level: The proper etiquette to follow is to get down to the same level, as the person you are speaking with. Sit in a chair, on a stool, or crouch down, but do not assume your usual height.

2. Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair rather than to any companion.

3. Don’t make assumptions: Remember most people using wheelchairs are not chronically ill.

4. When first meeting a disabled person, offer to shake hands even if they appear to have limited use of their arms. This action of personal contact breaks the psychological barrier of non-acceptance, and creates a warmer environment for communication.

5. Look at the person when you talk, rather than at the wheelchair.

6. Remember the wheelchair is part of the user’s personal space. Never rest your foot on their wheelchair, or touch their wheelchair unless you have been asked to.

7. Understand the person regards the wheelchair in the same way you think about your car: it is simply a tool for mobility.

8. People using wheelchairs realize children are curious. If a child asks a question you feel is embarrassing, don’t chastise the child. Let the disabled person handle the situation.

9. When talking to a disabled person, try to talk as normally as possible, and do not apologize if you use an expression such as “I must be running along,” or “See you later” if the person as partially sighted. These expressions are part of everyday language, and the apology will probably be more offensive or embarrassing than the expression.

10. Never slap a disabled person on the back or thigh as a goodwill gesture. This can cause the person to loose their balance, or trigger muscle spasms, which can lead to the person falling out of their chair.

I just had to write about this new product I found for those of us with disabilities - especially those in wheelchairs. It’s called a walk-in bathtub.

From what I’ve read, they can be a little awkward to get in and out of. But compared to the risk of falling that comes with getting in and out of a regular bathtub, it’s worth a little awkwardness. Here’s a photo.

And best of all it’s a jetted tub to soothe away those aches and pains. The door is even made extra light so that is super easy to close tightly. When it comes to personal care for those in a wheelchair, this may be the ultimate pampering.