December 10, 2011
Disability Etiquette
How to Positively Interact with People with Disabilities
Let us begin with the fundmentals:
Ask before you help.
When you see someone who has a disability or impairment, do not assume they need your help. If the setting is accessible, no environmental barriers, then they can get around just fine. Adults with impairments like their independence as much as the next guy, so don’t take that from them! Offer a helping hand only if the person appears to need assistance. Also ask how they need help before you act.
Be sensitive about physical contact.
When assisting someone, be aware of their center of balance. Avoid touching his/her wheelchair, scooter or cane. Think of their equipment as part of their personal space.
Think before you speak.
If you wish to ask someone of their disability, always ask respectfully. Keep in mind, people don’t always want to talk about their impairment. If you receive a “no” to your inquiry continue the conversation with a new common interest.
Always speak directly to the person with a disability, not to the person he or she is with. Even if an interpreter is present, keep eye contact with the person you are having the conversation with. Talk to him or her as you would talk with anyone else.
Person First Language is a must. Avoid using any derogatory terms such as: retarded, cripple, handicap, wheelchair user, bedridden, etc. If you are unsure if your words are offensive, make sure you are not referring to someone by their impairment. Remember people have disabilities, they are not those disabilities. Here are a few terminology tips:
- Say “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person”.
- Instead of “that Tourette girl” try “the woman with Tourette syndrome”.
- Say “wheelchair user” not wheelchair bound. (A wheel chair is liberating not confining)
- Avoid dis-empowering words like “victim” or “sufferer”. Say “person with AIDS” do not say “AIDS victim” or “person who suffers from AIDS”
Still be mindful that individuals have their own personal preferences, If you are unsure of what words to use, ask.
People Who Use Wheelchairs or Have Mobility Impairments
Those who use wheelchairs all have varying abilities. Some people still have mobility in their arms and motor skills, some can even walk short distances. Everyone who uses a wheelchair is different, never assume!
Do not lean over someone in a wheelchair, ask someone who uses a wheelchair to hold coats or belongings, or set things on their desktop.
Do not touch or push someone’s wheelchair without their permission. You would be invading their personal space, you could dump him/her out of their chair, or disable the chair by pulling the handles or footrest the wrong way.
Keep ramps and accessible ramps unblocked and unlocked. Remove any trashcans, displays or decorations from in front of entrances or aisles.
If a service counter is too high, step around it to provide services. Having a clipboard handy for the completion of forms is a lovely accommodation.
People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Those who are Blind know how to orient themselves and travel with a cane or guide dog. You can assist with reading, when asked.
Always identify yourself before touching someone who has a visual impairment. Share your name and your role, if appropriate, and introduce him/her to those surrounding.
Arms are crucial for balance, always offer your arm, do not grab theirs.
If the person has a guide dog, walk on the opposite side of the dog and describe the setting, noting any potential obstacles like stairs, revolving doors, hanging plants, etc. When giving a warning be specific, “Look out!” will not suffice, tell them if they should stop, duck or jump.
When giving directions, be specific. Avoid giving visual directions. Instead of “go to the left once you reach the copier”, try saying ” walk forward to the end of the hallway and make a full left.”
Never touch a person’s cane or guide dog. The dog is not a pet, it is working and cannot be distracted. If a person puts their cane down, do not move it.
If you need to leave the room, inform him/her first and let them know where the exit is. Leave them near a wall, table, or landmark. The middle of the room, is like the middle of nowhere.
You can let a person will visual impairments know where everything is by using clock orientation (twelve o’clock is furthest from them, six o’clock is nearest.)
Written materials may be requested in large print or you may be asked to read. Good Lightening, absence of shiny paper or walls helps.
Keep walkways clear of obstructions, if something in the venue was recently changed, do inform the person with the visual impairment.
People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
American Sign Language is way form of communication for those with hearing impairments. There are a range of communication preferences among people with hearing loss, be receptive to ASL, lip reading, writing, assistive listening devices or cochlear implants. You will probably be informed with form of communication works best, no worries!
A native signer will need to communicate with a qualified sign-language interpreter. Always keep eye contact and face the person you are having a conversation with, do not keep your eye contact focused on the interpreter, that is rude to the person with hearing impairments.
If you have trouble understanding the speech of a person who is deaf, do not pretend you’ve heard them. It is okay to ask them to repeat what was said.
Do not shout at someone who is hard of hearing. If they have a hearing aid, it will be calibrated to normal voice levels.
Some make calls with an assistance device called a TTY (teletypewriter). A TTY is a small device with a keyboard, printer or display screen.
People With Speech Disabilities
When speaking with someone with a speech disability give the person your full attention.
Avoid interrupting or finishing the person’s sentences. If you have trouble understanding, do not continue nodding, simply ask him/her to repeat themselves. If after trying, you still cannot understand, ask if they can write it down or suggest another way of facilitating communication.
Never tease or laugh at someone with a speech impairment, the ability to communicate effectively and to be taken seriously is important to all of us.
Persons of Short Stature 
Be aware that there are 200 diagnosed types of growth-related disorders.
Have necessary items within the person’s reach to the maximum extent possible.
Avoid using lower telephones, fountains, counters, or urinals if they are limited in supply, people of short stature count on being able to access these accommodations.
Never kiss or pet a person of short stature on the head, that’s disrespectful and belittling.
Conversations held at the same level are recommended. Persons of short stature have different preferences, you can sit in a chair, kneel, or stand back to make eye contact without the person straining their neck, simply follow the persons’ cues.
People With Cerebral Palsy
As a result of injury or damage to the central nervous system, people with cerebral palsy (CP) have ranging difficulties with controlling their muscles.
Follow the aforementioned tips on effectively interacting with persons who have speech disabilities.
Be aware that many people with CP have slurred speech and involuntary body movements, regardless monitor your responses and communicate with the person as you would anybody else.
Tourette Syndrome
People with tourette syndrome may make gestures or vocalizations that they cannot control.
A small percentage of people of people with tourette syndrome involuntarily say ethnic slurs or obscene words.
If a person with Tourette makes vocalizations during a conversation, simply wait for him/her to finish then calmly continue.
The more the person tries to contain these urges, the more these urges build up. It would be a good idea to allow the option of leaving the room or conversation temporarily to release the build-up in a private, more appropriate place.
People Who Look Different
Often people are treated as if they have a disability because of their appearance. Those with a skin condition, facial 
differences like crania-facial disfigurement, cleft lip or palate; people who are below or above average weight or height or those who nmay display visible effects of medication such as a tremor — in short, people who look different– often have the experience of people staring, trying to look away, or look through them.
Possessing a positive self-image to be a fully participating member of society is a necessity to all. Do not continue to contribute to stigmatizing those who look different.
If you happen to see someone who fits this description, simply give him/her a smile. If appropriate strike up a convo and include the person in the ongoing activity, just as you would anybody else.
Hidden Disabilities
Not all disabilities are apparent and obvious. A person may make a request or behave in a way you may deem strange; keep in mind that request/behavior may be disability-related.
If you give someone a verbal direction, but the person asks you to write the information down; (S)he may have a learning disability in which written communication is easier to comprehend.
Or a seemingly healthy person may ask to sit, rather than stand in line; this person may be fatigued from a condition, or feeling the effects of medication.
Although these disabilities are hidden, they are still real and deserving of accommodation.
Please respect the person’s requests and needs whenever possible.
Epilepsy (Seizure Disorders)
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by seizures that happen when the electrical system of the brain malfunctions. The seizures may be convulsive, or the person may appear to be in a trance. During complex partial seizures, the person may walk or make other movements while (s)he is, in effect, unconscious.
If a person is having a seizure allow it to run its course. If (s)he has fallen, make sure their head is protected and wait for the seizure to end.
When the seizure has ended, grant that person some privacy to collect themselves and reorient themselves.
Be aware that flashing lights, beepers, or strobe lights can trigger seizures in some people.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity & Respiratory Disabilities
People with MCS or respiratory disabilities like emphysema or asthma react to different toxins in the air. Cleaning products, carpeting, stale air, magic markers or perfume can trigger a serious reaction.
Avoid cleaning tables, windows, chairs or other surfaces while people are in the room. If you must use cleaning spray, pour it directly in a cloth (not into the air).
Go easy on the cologne, hand lotions and hair sprays.
Good air quality and good ventilation will help everybody stay healthier and be more alert.
Follow “No smoking” regulations, do not congregate at building entrances.
HIV & AIDS
Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus or Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome have compromised immune systems, so they have problems fighting off infections.
Do not be afraid or timid to touch someone with AIDS, do not be anxious about them touching you.
Do be conscious of putting their health at risk if you have a cough or the sniffles.
Those with AIDS often feel stigmatized, by simply greeting them, or shaking their hand, it will mean more than you know.
*Confidentiality Note: In spite of your concern, respect the privacy of a person with a disability. He/she will discuss their situation when they are comfortable.
Psychiatric Disabilities
People with mental illnesses may have some difficulties with activities of daily living or day to day interactions.
Some people may have issues with social cues or may be super sensitive.
Most people with psychiatric disabilities are not violent. One of the major problems they face are people’s attitudes towards them.
Stress can have a negative affect on the person’s capacity to function; try to to keep the pressures of situations to a minimum.
In a crisis, remain clam and be supportive as you would with anybody else. If necessary, you may ask if the person has medication that they need to take.
Cognitive Disabilities
People with cognitive disabilities, also referred to as developmental disabilities, learn at a different pace, and have difficulties applying what they’ve learned.
Speak with simple words and concrete concepts, take complex ideas and simplify them.
Do not talk down to someone with a learning disability, gauge the complexity of their vocabulary and respond appropriately.
Adults with cognitive disabilities are…adults. He/she can make their own decisions.
Phrase questions in a neutral manner, individuals with cognitive disabilities aim to please, which can have negative consequences like at a doctors appointment. Verify answers by repeating questions in multiple times.
Quick decisions can be difficult, allow the person to take their time, be patient.
Learning Disorders disrupt a person’s ability to expressive, receive and process information. Learning disabilities are hidden, you may be wondering why a high functioning individual has problems in one aspect of his/her work.
Respect requests for written directions. Ask how is the best way to relay information.
A person with a learning disorder would appreciate a quiet environment, free of distractions such as loud music, people or patterns.
Traumatic Brain Injury
People with TBI have experienced damage to the brain usually as a result of trauma such as an accident or stroke.
Some of the factors that affect individuals with learning disabilities also apply to people with TBI.
People with brain injuries may have involuntary muscle movements or loss of muscle control (fine or gross motor skills).
The person may say inappropriate comments, and may miss social cues that express that you have been offended.
Short-term memory or poor directional orientation may lead to an inability to follow directions.
Over-stimulation can cause difficulties in concentration, be patient. Suggest going elsewhere with fewer distractions.
Service Animals
Some individuals who have TBI, are blind, deaf, visually impaired, seizure disorder, etc. may use a service to assist them with daily activities of living.
Service dogs are well behaved and highly trained. These dogs are on the job, do not pet or distract them.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Please consider people with disabilities when creating an evacuation plan.
Keep a list of those who may need assistance during an emergency: those with impairments, asthma, or temporary disabilities such as a broken leg or pregnant colleague. Interview each person to see how to effectively assist them in the case of an emergency.
Also develop a plan for those who are not employes/team members (members of the public) who might be a daily visitor to the facility.
Practice your plan and keep them up to date.
Signage
Accessibility is key. Use the below signs, place where it will be most visible.
To order copies of the official United Spinal Association Publication call toll free 1-800-444-0120. Or send an email to publications@unitedspinal.org. I am not affiliated with the United Spinal Association, but I do appreciate their marvelous resource 
Filed by Golden at December 10th, 2011 under Disability Awareness/Understanding, Resources
19 persons have commented this post