Well technically you can go for a walk together if you push the wheelchair. That would actually be kinda sweet. No walks on the beach though......wheels would get stuck in the sand.

Just don't make a big deal about it :) I think the way you suggested it is fine. I've heard of blind people saying things like "oh yeah I saw that movie already" instead of saying "heard that movie." Going for a walk is a common phrase that doesn't need to be edited even though he wouldn't technically be walking. You don't have to walk on eggshells every time you talk to him, just speak normally.

As someone who uses a wheelchair, walks are wonderful! Even if I'm not physically walking. Just being out and about with good company is what matters. I have a friend who is totally blind and she LOVES going to the movies and listening to the stories. Non disabled people tend to be overly cautious and think that they slip up in situations like this, but trust me: it's ok! Even in the disabled community, we still use phrases like taking a walk etc. It's just how the sentence is said. So don't worry

It's not a big deal. I work with individuals with disabilities as a profession. I go on "walks" with my clients that are in a wheelchair. They even call it a walk. It's a relaxing way to get out of the house and out into the community. :)

Maybe should have replied with gone for a stroll!

As many others who have commented, I am also in a wheelchair. You made no mistake by saying it the way you did. I would be honest with him and let him know that you aren't familiar with the etiquette of being around someone in a wheelchair, but you would really like to meet him and get to know him better. Then just make an agreement that you will ask about things you are wondering about, and he has the right to tell you he isn't comfortable talking about specific questions if they arise...and you won't take offense if he voices that. In return, if he notices you doing or saying something that is awkward regarding the situation, or he notices you breaking a rule of etiquette, even if it isn't one he cares about, that he'll explain it to you, so you learn about the etiquette at the same time as you learn more about him. The one piece of etiquette that I think is important from the start is to not touch his chair without permission. our wheelchairs (or crutches, canes, walkers, etc) are an extension of our bodies. Just as it would be rude and creepy for you to walk up to a stranger or acquaintance and lean on their shoulder or stroke their hair, it is the same with leaning on our chair or touching or pushing it without expressed permission from the user. You can Google "wheelchair etiquette" or other similar searches ahead of time to learn more if you feel it would help you feel less nervous about meeting a new person. You got this. Don't let a wheelchair scare you away. We are just people who sit more than is typical! And most of us are good about making jokes and educating people who ask questions, so I think you have a good chance that this guy will be good-natured and understanding if you are simply honest with him.

im sure he will understand why the phrase 'going for a walk' sounds better than 'ill walk and you roll along next to me'

It's not a mistake, the dude has a wheel chair he can push himself or it's electric. No big deal, if he wants to make eye contact you can take a seat on a bench. Btw this is perfect really bc this is a reality check and at the end of the day that's what it's all about checking each other out

he should of been more upfront about his disability. so in reality hes more in the wrong

one time i was at an event and the speaker asked everyone to stand. i patted my best friend on the shoulder while looking sympathetic as he is in a wheelchair. he thought it was the funniest thing ever.

Don't be too politically correct around people in wheelchairs ..... it's actually so annoying

Well technically speaking you can walk you just have to push him in his chair