Disability Etiquette: Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities

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Everyone knows someone with a disability.

People with disabilities are the nations's largest minority, and the only one that any person can join at any time.

According to the 2000 US Census more than 50,000,000 people in the US have disabilities.

That is one in 5.2 people.

When talking to a person with a disability

Use the term "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person". Say "people with disabilities" rather than "the disabled." For specific disabilities, saying "persona who has cerebral palsy" is preferable.
Avoid terms as "handicapped" or "crippled," "physically challenged," "wheelchair bound."
Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions such as "see you later" or "did you hear about this" that seem to relate to a person's disability.
Speak directly to the person rather than to the companion or sign language interpreter.
Tread adults as adults. Address people with disabilities by their first names only when extending that same familiarity to all others.
Never patronize people in wheelchairs by patting them or touching them.

When meeting people who have physical disabilities

Offer to shake hands when introduced. People with limited hand use or an artificial limb can usually shake hands and offering the left hand is an acceptable greeting.
Never lean against or hang on someone's wheelchair.
When possible, place yourself at eye level when speaking with someone in a wheelchair.

When meeting people who are blind or visually impaired

Always identify yourself and others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.
Never distract a work animal from their job without the owner's permission.
If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted; then listen or ask for instructions.

When talking with people with speech or hearing difficulties

Listen attentively when talking with people who have difficulty speaking, ad wait for them to finish. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers or a nod of the head.
When approaching a person who is deaf or hearing impaired, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand to get his or her attention. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips. Try to fact the light source and keep hands, cigarettes and food away from your mouth when speaking.
If a person is wearing a hearing aid, don't assume that they can discriminate your speaking voice. Don't shout. Just speak in a normal tone of voice.

Some disabilities are invisible but impact life activities just as seriously as those that are visible.

Learning Disabilities(LD):

If you suspect someone has a learning disability, do not ask them to read or write in front of others.
People with learning disabilities might be quite bright even though they may be unable to read or write or do math.

Mental Health Challenges:

People with mental illness can recover and lead productive lives.
The main obstacle that a person with mental illness faces is the attitude people have about them.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

Be sensitive to the fact that people may not want to talk about the accident or situation that resulted in injury to their brain.
Some possible effects of TBI are memory loss, personality change, impaired organizational skills.

Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is a disorder, not a disease.
You cannot stop a person from having a seizure; just keep them safe and turn them on their side to clear their airway. DO NOT put anything into their mouth.

Substance Abuse:

With support, they can stop using their drug of choice and make positive changes in their lives.

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The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including braille, large print or audio tape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department’s Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 530, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234.

The University of the State of New York
The State Education Department
Office of Vocational and Educational
Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Albany, NY 12234