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Action Tips: Learn Disability Etiquette
People can get uncomfortable around people with disabilities because it’s unfamiliar, but the general premise “treat others how you would like to be treated” should still apply. Below are some tips to help you deal with the extra details that may come along with having a friend or classmate who's disabled.
Always ask
If you think a person with a disability needs help, ask them first before acting.
Be sensitive
It is okay to politely ask someone for details about an obvious disability, but recognize that it’s also okay for them not to want to talk about it.
Don't assume
Keep in mind that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it is not because they are sick or weak.
Remember
When you visit public places, like restaurants, malls, or the movies, check beforehand to see if the venue has handicap access. If not, ask the management to put in ramps, and put in Braille numbers on elevators and signs.
They're people too!
Invite friend with disabilities to your house for normal activities, like sleepovers or play dates.
Deaf does not equal blind
If an interpreter is helping you speak with a deaf person, make sure you talk to the deaf person, not the interpreter.
Just say so
Know that it's okay to ask people who have speech problems to repeat what they said if you didn't understand the first time.
Be considerate
Remember that it may take a person with a disability a little more time to get things done so let them set the pace when walking or talking.
Be patient
If you’re talking to a person with a speaking disability, give them your full unhurried attention. Don’t just jump in and try to speak for him or her.
Everyone's entitled to personal space
Don’t lean or hang on someone’s wheelchair when talking to them - wheelchairs are an extension of personal space.
The blind need guidance not pushing
If you’re helping someone with a vision disability, let the person take your arm so you are guiding them instead of pushing them or leading them, and always use specifics such as "left a hundred feet" or "right two yards".
They have a job to do
Never pet or play with Seeing Eye dogs. They can't be distracted from the job they are doing.
Chill out
And lastly, relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "I've got to run", that seem to relate to the person's disability.
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Comments
These rules really should help people who feel slightly uncomfortable around those with disabilities. It's also important to point out that if you feel uncomfortable around people with disabilities, it's okay. It doesn't mean you're a bad person, just like how people with disabilities aren't oddities.
I've truly found that the initial uncomfortable feeling goes away once you've spent enough time with disabled individuals. If at first you don't feel comfortable, try again tomorrow!
I strongly suggest finding a foundation that gives you face-to-face contact with people with disability. When you get to know them more you realise they're like you and me.
The People First thought should also be on this tips of etiquette list. It may seem FAR FETCHED, it is actually say that people are PEOPLE regardless of disabilities. Excuse my sarcasm, but I work with children and adults with special needs quite often and it upsets me to hear offenses against them. Instead of saying the autistic child, try "the child with autism". It may not seem like that big of a difference, but by saying child or person first, you automatically put them on your level. You're recognizing the fact that everyone is a person first, and their disability comes second.
This is definitely I can see myself trying to learn about. As someone with disabilities I have always wanted to fight against ableism.
When I was younger, I lived with people with disabilities in a group home (my mother was the "house parent" as they were called back in the day) for 6 years of my life. That has been the thing that has shaped me most in my life. I learned that people with disabilities are just that, people. They are exactly like me except they need supports and help with things I don't. Focusing on the person and not the disability is very important. I've made it my goal in life to spread the view that people are people and just because someone is different doesn't give ANYONE the right to be judgmental, rude, or mean.
In my adult life, I've worked with people with disabilities in their homes, communities, and work places for six years and am continuing to find that there are still people out there who are mean or, even worse, scared of people with disabilities. Hopefully spreading the idea that people are people will take the fear out of the world a bit.