Disability Etiquette

I attended a disability conference last weekend, and included in the packet of papers we all received was a Disability Etiquette form. It listed many great tips and points that I wanted to share.First and foremost ... "People with disabilities are not disabled people or handicapped people ... they are people who just happen to have a disability". They are people first. Do not identify them by their disability.

General Information

• Share a smile with the person, looking into their eyes. Don't get distracted by their wheelchair, crutches or disability.
• Always speak directly to the person who has a disability. Do not consider a companion or attendant to be a conversational go-between.
• Stand in front of the person who is disabled and try to be on their eye level. You may choose to kneel, especially if they are in a wheelchair, so they don't have to strain their neck.
• Don't hesitate to ask the person who has a disability if you can help him or her in any way. We all like to be offered help, but be OK if they decline your offer.
• Whenever possible, seat disabled persons with their families or friends.
• Don't ignore disabled people. Acknowledge their presence normally as you would anyone else, and attempt to include them in whatever activity you are doing. A warm smile and friendly conversation is very welcoming.
• Don't hesitate to use words like "see", "walk", "listen", etc., with disabled people.
• Touch is often a very effective communicator of love, concern and understanding.
• Use positive "people first" language when referring to disabilities, i.e. a person with a brain injury, a child with Down Syndrome, a person who uses a wheelchair, rather than using negative terms such as "crippled", "stricken", "afflicted", or "victims".

Visual Impairments

• When greeting person who has a visual impairment, be sure to identify yourself.
• Explain to a person who has a visual problem where things are located.
• If the person who is blind has a guide dog, ask how much room is needed. DO NOT PET SERVICE DOGS. THEY ARE ON DUTY!
• Offer a program to a person with a visual impairment (whether you think they can read it or not).
• Offer a braille or large-print document when available.
• Direct a person who is blind to his or her seat. Extend your elbow to guide; never grab or push. Give simple instructions, i.e. "go straight and then we will be turning right into your seat."
• Explain the program, if needed.

Hearing Impairments

• Speak clearly and slowly, but don't exaggerate or shout. (Sometimes it may be necessary to communicate in writing).
• Try to stand in front of the light source in order to provide a clear view of you face.
• Seat a hearing impaired person in an appropriate position in front of the sign language interpreter.
• Look directly at the person and speak expressively; remember your facial expressions, gestures, and body movements help in understanding. Just remember you don't need to be an expert in sign language to do this.

Mobility Impairments

• Wheelchair use provides freedom. Don't assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom which allows the user to move about independently.
• A person who uses a wheelchair may be able to walk, but that person still needs the wheelchair. Try not to move the wheelchair or crutches out of reach of the person who uses them.
• Be respectful. A person's wheelchair is a part of his or her body space and should be treated with respect. Don't hold onto or lean on it unless you have the person's permission.
• Always ask the wheelchair user if he or she would like assistance before you help. It may be necessary for the person to give you some instructions. An unexpected push could throw the wheelchair user out of balance.
• If lifting a wheelchair, be sure to follow the person's instructions implicitly. They have been up and down the steps before. If there are any questions of your ability, look for stronger helpers.
• If you have a "wheelchair section", do not discourage the people from going on to the front or other stations with everyone else.

Developmental Disabilities

• If a mentally disabled person has behaviors which seem to be making people uncomfortable, have in mind some capable people who would be willing to share and "buddy" with them.
• Offer a program to a person you know is developmentally disabled, whether you think they can read it or not.

Hidden Disabilities

• Try to be aware of hidden disabilities or newly diagnosed or acquired illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, environmental illness and emotional disabilities which may require assistance or attention.

There are many other resources that list other valuable tips on disability etiquette. Print and post such things in places which you see a need (offices, break rooms, rest rooms, your child's school halls/cafeteria, etc.)

Jessica