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Disability EtiquetteThe National Organization on Disability reports that more than 54 million Americans have a disability - that's 1 in every 5. These tips are for anyone - with or without a disability - who wants to interact more effectively with people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was conceived with the goal of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of American life, particularly the workplace and the marketplace. Sensitivity toward people with disabilities is not only in the spirit of the ADA, it makes good business sense. It can help you expand your practice, better serve your customers or develop your audience. Practicing disability etiquette is an easy way to make people with disabilities feel welcome. When supervisors and co-workers use disability etiquette, employees with disabilities feel more comfortable and work more productively. You don't have to feel awkward when dealing with a person who has a disability. These tips provide some basic tips for you to follow. And if you are ever unsure about what to do or say with a person who has a disability, just ask! The Basics on LanguagePut the person firstSay "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person." Say "people with disabilities" rather than "disabled people." For specific disabilities, saying "person with Tourette Syndrome" or "person who has cerebral palsy" is usually a safe bet. Still, individuals do have their own preferences. If you are not sure what words to use, ask. Use Updated TermsAvoid outdated terms like "handicapped" or "crippled." Be aware that many people with disabilities dislike jargony, euphemistic terms like "physically challenged" and "differently abled." Say "wheelchair user," rather than "confined to a wheelchair" or "wheelchair bound." The wheelchair is what enables the person to get around and participate in society; it's liberating, not confining. It's OK to Use Expressions It's okay to use expressions like, "It was good to see you," or "see you later," to a person who is blind. It's completely acceptable, they use these expressions themselves all the time! Avoid negative words With any disability, avoid negative words like "victim" or "suffer." Say "person with multiple sclerosis," instead of "MS victim." This information was obtained from the Disability Etiquette Handbook published by the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Associated. For more information and to view a copy of the entire handbook, click here.
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