Originally Posted by
jcwoman
OP, can you report back how your trip went?
I've witnessed a number of people in wheelchairs going through security and they always seem to make them get up and walk through the "arch". I know some people need the chair because they can't walk very far but can do three or four steps to get through security so that's fine. But I've always wondered about people who can't walk AT ALL. Sounds like this is one of them. Did someone act as human crutches to assist you through the detector?
People who can't walk at all remain in their wheelchairs. They are patted down by hand, and the wheelchair is swabbed. The TSO is supposed to ask the person if s/he has any sensitive areas and if s/he would prefer a private screening.
At many (most?) airports, TSA keeps wooden canes on hand for people who need a little mobility support as they walk through the metal detector.