How to Talk to a Person in a Wheelchair

Am I an expert in this topic?  Hell no.  But from my little bit of observation I have some pointers for those who freak out at the thought of having a conversation with a person sitting in a wheelchair.  It’s not hard.  They aren’t aliens. 1) Don’t panic.  The more you worry over saying the wrong thing, the more likely you are to sound stupid. 2) Before you say anything, think of or look at an able-bodied person of the same gender and imagine saying whatever it is you plan to say to that person.  Would you ask that person if his sex organs worked?  Would you tell her that her ability to get out of bed and go to a restaurant is an inspiration?  Would you ask him to recount the most emotionally difficult day of his life?  No?  Then don’t say...