Communication with wheelchair users in everyday life-a qualitative study

Background The author has experienced discriminatory behavior and prejudices against people with disabilities, who are in her circle of friends. Aim Communication between wheelchair users and nonwheelchair users was analyzed on how nondisabled people communicate with wheelchair users and how this is experienced by wheelchair users. Materials and methods Problem-centered interviews were evaluated according to Witzel and qualitative content was analyzed according to Mayring. Results While wheelchair users feel that they are not adequately included, nondisabled people lack the experience/ability to deal with them. Conclusion It is necessary to reflect more on cliches, prejudices and blockades and to improve the sociopolitical framework in the constant search for external regulation and personal responsibility to improve communication between disabled and nondisabled individuals.