How Can You Help?

Have you ever been at a really high water fountain, and the only way to get a drink is by standing on your tip-toes? Do you know the feeling when there is something you want just out of reach and you had to jump or stand on a stool to reach it? It can be very frustrating, can’t it? This kind of situation is very common for people who use a wheelchair. Little things like hard-to-reach water fountains, too-high light switches, and lack of curb cuts (when there is no ramp from the sidewalk to the street) are all things that can make someone in a wheelchair feel left out and frustrated. But you can do a lot to help someone in a wheelchair feel welcome just by becoming aware of these challenges and helping others see, too. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17 that a friend loves at all times. You can be a great friend to someone with a disability by looking for ways to make frustrating situations easier. Can you ask adults in charge to keep cups near the water fountain so people in wheelchairs can more easily get a drink? Can you keep an eye out for basketball hoops or forgotten toys that block sidewalks? Then come back next week to learn of another fun way to help people who use wheelchairs, or have other disabilities, feel welcome!