Disability Etiquette

Question 1

Use “people first” language

Answer 1

If a person’s disability must be mentioned either in conversation or in writing, reference the person first, then their disability.

Question 2

“People First” Language: Avoid/Inappropriate

Answer 2

Avoid/Inappropriate:
1. The disabled, the handicapped
2. Cripple, physically handicapped, or wheelchair bound
3. Disease or defect
4. The blind
5. The deaf, hearing impaired

Question 3

“People First” Language: Use/Appropriate

Answer 3

Use/Appropriate:
1. People with Disabilities
2. A person with a physical disability/impairment or wheelchair user
3. Condition
4. People who are blind, partially sighted, visually impaired
5. People who are deaf, hard of hearing

Question 4

Identity-First Language

Answer 4

Some people with disabilities prefer to use identity-first language, which stresses the disability as a key part of the person’s identity Eg. saying “autistic individual” instead of “person with autism.”

Question 5

Kneeling or sitting in a chair when engaged in a lengthy conversation with someone who uses a wheelchair

Answer 5

Good

Question 6

Raising voice or talking as if speaking to a child

Answer 6

Bad

Question 7

Maintaining usual pitch, volume, and rhythm when speaking

Answer 7

Good

Question 8

Interrupting a person with speech impairments and trying to finish sentences for them

Answer 8

Bad

Question 9

Listening patiently and, if needed, asking for clarification

Answer 9

Good

Question 10

Putting your hands near your mouth when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing

Answer 10

Bad

Question 11

Ensuring that a person who is deaf or hard of hearing has a clear view of your face

Answer 11

Good

Question 12

Playing “guess who” games with people who are blind or visually impaired

Answer 12

Bad

Question 13

Introducing yourself by name to a person who is blind

Answer 13

Good

Question 14

Speaking to the friend or support worker of a person with a disability when the conversation is directed at the person with a disability

Answer 14

Bad

Question 15

Speaking directly to the person who has the disability

Answer 15

Good

Question 16

Assuming people with disabilities need help

Answer 16

Bad - if there is doubt ask the person with a disability if they need help. Do not assume they need help or try to help without permission. If the person rejects the offer to help, do not take offense.

Question 17

Offering help when it is truly needed

Answer 17

Good

Question 18

Saying “hello”

Answer 18

Good - Saying hello to a person and perhaps asking how they’re doing or some other neutral question is inoffensive. If they don’t respond by asking for help, they probably don’t need help, and that’s okay.

Question 19

Interacting with a service animal without the owner’s knowledge or permission

Answer 19

Bad

Question 20

Touching someone’s assistive device such as a wheelchair or cane

Answer 20

Bad - This is part of their personal space. Never touch, lean on, or pick up a person’s assistive device.

Question 21

When in doubt, consider personal preferences

Answer 21

Good - What is considered appropriate differs from person to person.