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).