Can anyone help me learn about people in wheelchairs?

I am having a hard time doing research on this subject. I am trying to write a book with a character who is in a wheelchair. I have so many questions. Any help would be appreciated.

What are the different conditions that would confine someone to a wheelchair? Could someone in a wheelchair swim? drive? what would they do if they went to someone's house and there were steps leading to the front door? what kind of professions would and would not be available to them? Can men with spinal cord injuries have sex? How are men with other conditions necessitating a wheelchair affected sexually?

lets see yes they can drive ..yes they can have sex but not like you think..some people can swim that are in a wheel chair and some cant.. they can be in any profession they wont and have the determenation to do .. being in a wheel chair dont make some one less of a person it justs slows them down a little thats all.and i wont to say all people in wheel chairs or people with disabalites are not bitter ..

they are handicap.

Uh, most of the time people in Wheelchairs can't walk well

they may be in wheelchairs for various medical reasons and have different feelings about being "handicapped," such as feeling helpless and depressed or not letting it get to them.

they are bitter

you didn't ask specific questions. Specific questions get specific answers.

Hello,

I am a wheelchair user with a degenerative orthopedic disability since birth. I also work professionally in the disability field.

If you are looking serious answers as well as info on disability culture and the appropriate language to use when speaking about people with disabilites I would be happy to help. Feel free to email me directly.

Randy G. Wagoner
Wagoner & Associates, Inc.