Many of us grew up in a time when we were taught to look away when we saw a person with a disability. Fear of the unknown and lack of knowledge has led to uneasiness when interacting with a person with a disability. Those days are over and with education and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, our society is learning to welcome the approximate 54 million people with disabilities into the mainstream as productive individuals. The following information can help you become a part of the process.
As you meet people with various disabilities, you may be apprehensive about how to behave. This page provides 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!
Be Yourself
As in any new situation, everyone will feel more comfortable if you relax.
Meeting Someone
People who use wheelchairs may have a variety of disabilities. Some have use of their arms and some do not. When you meet someone, extend your hand to shake if that is what you normally do. A person who cannot shake hands will let you know. He/she will appreciate being treated in a normal way. If you are meeting a blind person; identify yourself. If you have met before, remind him of the context; he won't have the visual clues to jog his memory.
Helping
Do not automatically give assistance; ask first if the person wants help. Follow the person's cues, and ask if you are not sure. Be the assistant, not the director; let a blind person hold you arm and follow you. Don't be offended if someone refuses your offer of assistance. It's his or her choice to be as independent as they can be.
Communication
When communicating with a person with a disability, rely on your common sense. Ask yourself how you would like to be treated and always allow yourself to adapt to the person's individual preference. Language plays a critical role in shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings. The way we refer to people can affect the way they are seen by others and the way in which they feel about themselves. If the person has a speech impairment, listen carefully and patiently. Ask him/her to repeat if you don't understand. If the person doesn't understand you when you speak, try again. Don't let them think your communication with them is not worthwhile to you. If the person is deaf or hard of hearing, follow his or her lead; use gestures or write. If the person uses a wheelchair, sit and converse at their level.
Socializing
Do not leave a person with a disability out of a conversation or activity because you feel uncomfortable or fear that he/she will feel uncomfortable. Include him or her as you would anyone else. He/she knows what they can do and what they want to do; let it be their decision whether or not to participate.
Disability
A disability is defined as a condition that limits a person's ability to walk, talk, see, hear, reason, or learn. Don't assume the person's disability is all he/she can talk about or is interested in. Find a topic of small talk, the way you would with anyone. Don't treat the person as a disability; treat the person as an individual.
Environments
Be sensitive about the setting. A noisy or dark environment, or people talking simultaneously might make it difficult for people with a vision, speech, or hearing disability to participate in a conversation. Be aware of clear paths of travel for people who use wheelchairs or who are blind. Describe surroundings (especially obstacles) to a person with a visual impairment. A person with chemical sensitivity may have a reaction to smoke, perfume, cleaning products, or other forms of toxins in the environment.
Touching
Do not pet guide dogs, and do not touch a person with a disability unless there is a good reason (such as shaking hands in greeting or if the person has requested assistance). However, you may gently touch a deaf person to get his attention. Never push a person's wheelchair without his or her permission. Please do not recoil if you meet a person with AIDS; shake his hand as you would anyone. You can't get AIDS by touching.
Hidden Disabilities
Not all disabilities are apparent. A person may have trouble following a conversation, may not respond when you call or wave, may make a request that seems strange to you, or may say or do something that seems inappropriate. The person may have a hidden disability such as low vision, a hearing or learning disability, traumatic brain injury, mental retardation, or mental illness. Don't make assumptions about the person or his/her disability. Be open-minded.
Learning More
Lack of knowledge or misinformation may lead you to shy away from interacting with people with certain disabilities. Preconceptions about mental illness, AIDS, cerebral palsy, Tourettes Syndrome and other disabilities often lead to a lack of acceptance by those around the person. Remember that we are all complex human beings; a disability is just one aspect of a person. Learning more about the disability may alleviate your fears and pave the way for you to see the person for who he or she is.
*Access Resources: Judith Cohen.
Attitude & Approach to People with Disabilities
As you meet people with various physical disabilities, you will likely find that you are apprehensive about how you should behave towards that individual. Every person is different and some will find it easy to work with such individuals, whereas others will find it difficult adjusting to working with people with physical disabilities. People with disabilities are impaired by others' mistaken beliefs about their disabilities. It's up to society to ensure disabilities are seen as challenges, not burdens. Always remember a person with a disability is a person. He or she is like anyone else, except for the special limitations of their disability.
The most important thing is to be honest! If you do not understand someone because they have difficulty with their speech, or they use some form of communication aid, please do not assume they do not understand. If you have difficulty understanding them, then admit it, and try to get someone to translate for you. People in such situations will not get upset if you are honest, and in time, you will learn to understand what they are saying to you.
How to Help
Things to Remember
Mobility Impairments
Cognitive Impairments Affecting Learning, Intelligence, or Brain Function
Psychiatric or Mental Health Impairments
Visual Impairments
Disability Etiquette for Hearing Impairments
Speech Impairments
The following words have strong negative connotations (Do Not Use): |
The following words are more affirmative and reflect a more positive attitude (Words with Dignity): |
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Explanation: Crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs are mobility aids. These aids are tools rather than entrapments. Without the use of these mobility aids, the person is restricted from participation in their community. |
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*Disability Etiquette- Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities.
Useful Resources:
http//www.ada.gov
http//www.unitedspinal.org
http//www.mcil.org
http//www.tndisability.org
http://www.apparelyzed.com
http://www.wheelchairnet.org
http//www.uni.edu