Disability Etiquette Flashcards
Use “People First” Language
If a person’s disability must be mentioned either in conversation or in writing, reference the person first, then his or her disability. Instead of referring to someone as an epileptic, say “a person with epilepsy” or “John, who has epilepsy…”.
“People First” Language Examples - Avoid/Inappropriate:
The disabled, the handicapped
Use/Appropriate:
People with disabilities
“People First” Language Examples - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Cripple, physically handicapped or wheelchair bound
Use/Appropriate:
A person with a physical disability/ impairment or wheelchair user
“People First” Language Examples - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Disease or defect
Use/Appropriate:
Condition
“People First” Language Examples - Avoid/Inappropriate:
The Blind
Use/Appropriate:
People who are blind, partially sighted, visually impaired
“People First” Language Examples - Avoid/Inappropriate:
The Deaf, Hearing Impaired
Use/Appropriate:
People who are deaf, Hard of Hearing
Address the Person Directly
If the person who has a disability has a companion or interpreter with him or her, the person should be acknowledged and addressed directly. Do not make direct statements intended for the person to his or her companion. For people who use wheelchairs, consider kneeling or sitting in a chair when engaged in a lengthy conversation. Kneeling or sitting helps the person in the wheelchair maintain eye contact without putting much stress on his or her neck.
Addressing People with Disabilities - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Raising voice or talking as if speaking to a child
Use/Appropriate:
Maintain usual pitch volume and rhythm when speaking
Addressing People with Disabilities - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Interrupting a person with speech impairments and trying to finish sentences for them
Use/Appropriate:
Listen patiently and, if needed, ask for clarification
Addressing People with Disabilities - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Putting your hands near your mouth when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing
Use/Appropriate:
Ensure that the person who is deaf or hard of hearing has a clear view of your face
Addressing People with Disabilities - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Playing “guess who” games with people who are blind or visually impaired
Use/Appropriate:
Introduce yourself by name to a person who is blind
Addressing People with Disabilities - Avoid/Inappropriate:
Speaking to the friend or support worker of a person with a disability when the conversation is directed at the person with a disability
Use/Appropriate:
Speak directly to the person who has the disability
Phrases that Sound Potentially Offensive, but Aren’t
There is no need to avoid common sayings like “see you later” when talking to a blind person, or other sayings that seem to relate to the disability. People with disabilities understand that these kinds of phrases are common expressions.
Don’t Assume People with Disabilities Need Help
If there is doubt, ask the person with a disability if he or she needs any assistance. Do not assume the person needs help or try to help the person without permission. If the person rejects the offer to help, do not take offense. The person may be trying to see if he or she can perform a task or technique, or the person may be trying to learn something new altogether. Helping a person without his or her permission may startle the person or may throw him or her off balance.
Offer Help When it is Truly Needed
Of course, if it’s truly obvious that someone needs help—like a blind person who may have unknowingly dropped something—offer help! Don’t pretend nothing happened, and don’t make life more difficult for them just because you’re afraid of offending them.
Say “Hello”
One thing you can do that won’t be considered offensive by anyone is to simply say “hello,” and perhaps ask them how they’re doing, or some other neutral question. If they don’t respond by asking for help, they probably don’t need help, and that’s ok. There’s nothing wrong with a friendly “hello” for no reason other than to acknowledge a person’s presence.
Service Animals
Service animals (such as guide dogs) are doing a job. When they’re in work mode, do not pet them, play with them, feed them, or draw their attention in any way. These animals are in service of their owner. Distracting service animals from their job makes it harder for the owner to control the animal’s actions, which reduces the usefulness of the service animal, and can even lead to some dangerous situations for the owner, if the service animal is not paying attention to risky situations
When a service animal is not in work mode, the owner may allow you to pet it or interact with it, but be sure to ask the owner first. Do not interact with the animal without the owner’s knowledge and permission.
Respect Personal Space
When in the company of people who use assistive devices such as wheelchair or a cane, it is important not to touch the assistive device. People with disabilities consider these assistive devices part of their personal space. Never touch, lean on, or pick up a person’s assistive device.
When in Doubt, Consider Personal Preferences
The etiquette discussed here is the “preferred” behavior when interacting with people with disabilities, but it is important to note that what is considered appropriate differs from person to person. For example, some people with disabilities may find the term “handicapped” offensive, but others may not be bothered by the term. If there is any doubt in the language used towards a person with a disability, it is best to ask that person what he or she prefers. Try to remember his or her preferences while in their presence.
