Disability Etiquette Flashcards
How should you act around a person with a disability?
- Think of them as people and recognize them as individuals
- Act around them as you would other people
What is “people first” language?
If person’s disability must be mentioned in conversation or writing, refer to the person first, then the disability.
examples:
- A person with epilepsy
- John, who has epilepsy
- People with disabilities
- A person with a physical disability
- A wheelchair user
- Condition (instead of disease or defect)
- People who are blind or visually impaired
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing
What is identity-first language?
Some prefer to use identity-first language, which stresses disability as key part of their identity
Example: autistic individual
What should you do if a person with a disability has a companion or interpreter?
- Acknowledge the person with the disability directly
- Don’t make statements intended for the person to his/her companion
How should you position yourself when speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair?
Consider kneeling or sitting in a chair in a lengthy convo, to help maintain eye contact w/o putting too much stress on their neck
Instead of “raising voice or talking as if speaking to a child,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Maintain usual pitch volume and rhythm when speaking
Instead of “interrupting a person with speech impairments and trying to finish sentences for them,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Listen patiently and if needed, ask for clarification
Instead of “putting your hands near your mouth when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Ensure the person who’s deaf or hard of hearing has a clear view of your face
Instead of “playing ‘guess who’ games with people who are blind or visually impaired,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Introduce yourself by name to the person who’s blind
Instead of “speaking to the friend or support worker of a person with a disability when the conversation is directed at the person with a disability,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Speak directly to the person who has the disability
Is it offensive to say “see you later” to a person who is blind?
No, no need to avoid common sayings. People with disabilities understand these are common
What are the DO’s and DON’T’s when talking to or helping someone with a disability?
Do’s:
- Address the person directly
- Say hello
- Offer help when it’s truly needed. If in doubt, ask
- Respect personal space
Don’ts:
- Don’t assume people with disabilities need help
- Don’t take offense if you offer to help a person with a disability and they reject offer
- Don’t try to help someone without permission – it may startle them or throw them off balance
- Don’t avoid phrases that sound potentially offensive but aren’t actually (e.g. “See you later”)
What are service animals?
Service animals (e.g. guide dogs) are doing a job. These animals are in service of their owner
What are the don’ts of service animals when in work mode?
Don’ts:
- Don’t pet them
- Don’t play with them
- Don’t feed them
- Don’t draw their attention in any way
Distracting service animals makes it harder for owner to control animal’s action and can lead to some dangerous situations.
What are the do’s and don’ts of service animals when not in work mode?
- Do ask owner first when petting or interacting with it
- Don’t interact with the animal w/o owner’s knowledge and permission
