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The 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.
Many people do
not know what say or how to act when they meet someone
with a disability. People with disabilities have the
same feelings as you. Many people with disabilities are
professionals and have college degrees. Treat someone with a
disability as you would like to be treated and you can't go
wrong.
Tips
-
Do
not park in a disabled parking space unless you have the
proper identification and have a disability that warrants
you to park there. People need the bigger area to get out
wheelchairs etc.
-
Speak
to the person who has the disability and not just someone
with them. Be patient and ask questions if you can't
understand them. Never pretend you can understand someone
if you do not. Simply say what you think the person said
and they will correct it if necessary. Be patient if
someone uses a device to communicate with.
-
Do not talk
down to the person or like they are a child (unless they
really are a child.)
-
If you want
to ask someone about their disability, then ask. Be polite
and respectful.
-
People with
disabilities are just normal people with physical
limitations. Please don't stare for long periods of time.
-
Let your
child talk to people with disabilities. It is sad when
parents do not let children ask questions or talk.
Children are very accepting.
-
Do not pat
someone with a disability on the head. They are not pets
or toys. They are people.
-
If it looks
like someone with a disability might need some help, just
ask them. The worst they can do is say "No, thank
you."
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Not everyone
can shake hands. Try a nod or a smile instead.
-
Relax and
just be yourself.
Speaking and
Writing
-
Please avoid
these words/terms when referring to a person with a
disability. Cripple, victim, defect, invalid, sick,
diseased, wheelchair bound
-
Please use
terms such as physically disabled or "He/she uses a
wheelchair..." Remember they are people first and
disabled second.
When you are
with someone in a wheelchair
-
Do not push,
drive, lean on, grab, hold or anything else to their
wheelchair without permission. This is their personal
space and property.
-
Rearrange
furniture if there is something blocking the way of their
wheelchair.
-
Try to get on
eye level with the person if possible.
For a more
complete guide to disability etiquette, read 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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