My boss is an amputee but I'd never ask him how he lost his arm. It isnt my business, and it could make him feel uncomfortable. Especially if he had a bad accident, childhood deformity... You never know. I'm also not that nosy.

I am an amputee, and it's fine for people to ask me how I lost my leg, as long as that isn't the only conversation we ever have in life. People are curious, just like I am curious about other people. I don't mind if kids I don't know come up to me and ask. It happens all the time, and parents don't have to sush their kids or pull them away because they are embarrassed for me. Kids should not grow up to think that it is somehow shameful to have a disability. For adults, I don't mind at all if they know me. I wish people I knew felt more relaxed about asking me. Most of the time I can just tell that they want to know, so I tell them so that they don't have to ask. When I started my job, after a few days, I just told people at lunch in a matter of fact way what happened and why I don't use a fake leg. People who were there told other people, and there was no mystery for anyone. Once people know there are usually no more questions. MissMonster's boss would be smart to do something like that. If your boss seems pretty informal and open and friendly, just ask him. In the case of adults I don't know, it seems a little invasive and voyeuristic unless there is some context that makes it a normal question.

I would assume its ok if know the person. I just wouldnt walk up to a stranger and ask that would be inconsiderate. But you know what they say about assuming

i would rather ppl ask me..... it doesn't bother me. it bothers me when ppl stare at me like i have a boob hanging out....i'm in a wheelchair missing both legs... and let children ask questions....