No assistance needed

I came back from shopping and saw a scene which attracted me. A lonely man in wheelchair struggling to advance. The neigbourhood is also a bit quite sad and amplified the scenery mood. I was going to ask this chap if he needed help. But as soon as i saw his face , i knew he doesn t want help. I met him once before and offred him assistance but he refused firmly.
I can understand fully that people living with disabilities want to embrace  as best they can their indepency.