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Caring SG commuters
In The Spotlight

How You Can Give a Hand to Wheelchair Users While Commuting

22 November 2022

Learn how you can assist wheelchair users like Whee Boon on your daily commute.

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

Wheelchair user, Whee Boon, posing for a photo at a bus stop

Source: Tan Whee Boon

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you would like to lend a helping hand to a wheelchair user, but were unsure of how to take the first step or what to do exactly? In this article, Tan Whee Boon, a wheelchair user, shares about the challenges and inconveniences he faces when taking public transport, and how we can be the caring commuter they need.

Although he can commute independently on public transport, Whee Boon said that he is grateful when a caring commuter tells other commuters to give way, so he can navigate through a crowded cabin to get to the designated parking area for wheelchairs. This is helpful to him.

Give a helping hand to wheelchair users like Whee Boon

During the chat with the Caring SG Commuters team, Whee Boon also provided three tips to consider when helping wheelchair users on their commute.

1. Give Time

A caring commuter holding the elevator door for wheelchair user, Whee Boon, at the MRT Station

Source: Public Transport Council

When helping to push a wheelchair user to their destination, give time and move at a pace they are comfortable with. Do not rush as it might cause an accident. When taking the lift at an MRT station or bus interchange, you can also hold the door open for them if they need more time to move into the lift. A little patience goes a long way when helping a wheelchair user on public transport.

2. Give Care

A woman in mask interacting with Whee Boon at the MRT Station

Source: Public Transport Council

Whee Boon also advised that it is not necessary to bend down while conversing with wheelchair users. Just face them without bending or squatting down and address them directly – as a sign of respect, instead of speaking only to their caregiver to offer help. 

3. Give a Hand

A woman in mask assisting Whee Boon to board a MRT train at the train platform

Source: Public Transport Council

Whee Boon also advised that it is not necessary to bend down while conversing with wheelchair users. Just face them without bending or squatting down and address them directly – as a sign of respect, instead of speaking only to their caregiver to offer help.

Always ask before offering assistance; don’t take them by surprise. You can also lend a helping hand by allowing wheelchair users like Whee Boon to enter priority cabins first and giving them ample space within the cabin in their designated area.

Now that you have the information you need to Give Care to wheelchair users, put that into action the next time you are on public transport!

Find out more about helping other commuters in need by becoming a Caring Commuter Champion today!

Article written in collaboration with SG Enable.

Whee Boon is an SG Enable iChamp, a member of the Amputee Support Group Singapore, and an athlete of the Wheelchair Rugby Association Singapore.

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