ABSTRACT
Keywords: Appropriate help, ego-threat, resource theory, services, status, unnecessary
help, unsolicited help
Individuals who have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities must not only cope
with the challenges imposed by their disability, but often contend with job and
educational discrimination as well (Braithwaite, 1990; Dahnke, 1982; Emry & Wiseman,
1987a; Gliedman & Roth, 1980; Wertlieb, 1985). Furthermore, persons with disabilities
sometimes confront challenges in their everyday interactions with the nondisabled, or
ablebodied persons. Sadly, problematic interactions even occur during episodes in which
ablebodied people provide assistance to persons with physical disabilities. Indeed,
Braithwaite and Labrecque (1994) noted that helping “is one of the most difficult
challenges both disabled and ablebodied persons face” (p. 291).