Great post. My chair is an extension of me to the point where I can sense when it is being touched just as I can sense if somebody is touching my paralyzed leg. Touching or handling my chair is the same as touching my shoulder or arm. Somebody pushing my chair or leaning against a wheel or backrest without asking is a huge annoyance! I also assume that they don't get it--and will politely explain that it isn't OK and my chair really is part of me.

I have a bus driver that I have given permission to lean on my chair when she is securing it because of a medical problem with her hip ans when she bends over to put the securement straps on she can't stand back up om her own, so in ths case I don't have an issue with it. I also have a couple of friends that will put their hand on the back rest when we are talking because they are also laying their hand on my shoulder ans the top on my backrest and my shoulder are the same height. Other than these 3 people I will alway say something to the person and tell them to not lean on my chair. I have actually had people get really mad and start an argument with me over this saying that they are not hurting anything by leasning on chair. I tell them that you are not just leaning on the chair but you are also leaning on me and how would you like it if I was stitting next to you and just leaned over and put as much of my body weight as I can on your legs.

Not a problem...I merely request sexual favors...you know, "Tit for Tat"(-;

Seems like I'm in a really small minority here, but as someone who has used a wheelchair since I was about 5 years old, I have never had any problems with this. My friends will always rest their feet, tie their shoes on my wheelchair or even sit on the wheel or footrests, I've never seen it as offensive, intrusive or anything like that, I was always just glad to see that this thing which I use for mobility was useful in some other small way to people around me. Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be as carefree about it if it was some random person being really obnoxious about it and leaning on me for minutes on end. But an old lady using it to support herself a few seconds or something I have no problem with. Anyways, interesting article, much respect. I always find you're articles interesting.

I have arthritis and use a chair because even though I'm fortunate enough to still be able to walk some, I couldn't get too far without it. I wouldn't care one bit if a tired old lady had to grab my wheelchair for support. Just happy to be in the right place at the right time. The guy tying his shoe without so much as a Mother-may-I? Not so much. :D One time I did feel extremely uncomfortable was when a bus driver grabbed the seat of my chair between my legs while I was on the chair lift getting off the bus. I was like, never do that again. He said he was just making sure my chair didn't fall off the lift. Right, buddy. Hands off the merchandise, or I will run over your foot the next time. :D

It really depends on how and why they are touching my chair. Some people just don't get it. Especially those who push you even when you tell them you can do it yourself. But little kids are great they usually ask first and then ask all kinds of other questions. The ones I really hate are tgh e ones that pat me on the head.

i really dont mind when people do it unless its done in a rude fashion although if im going to be your foot rest and you have some restless leg syndrome going on well yea then im gonna get unhappy .

This is a great article! I've used the same phrase, that my wheelchair is an extension of my body. But it still does depend on the situation, such as what Liza McCollum was talking about.

Kids are the worse. I was at a party and as soon as the kids saw the "cool new toy" they kept screwing with the controls. Their parents just watched them. Even after I came out and said "This is easily damaged and very expensive. I do not have the money to repair it. PLEASE tell your kids to leave it alone." the kids couldn't keep their grimy mitts off of it.