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 their disability.
“People First” Language: Avoid/Inappropriate
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
“People First” Language: Use/Appropriate
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
Identity-First Language
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.”
Kneeling or sitting in a chair when engaged in a lengthy conversation with someone who uses a wheelchair
Good
Raising voice or talking as if speaking to a child
Bad
Maintaining usual pitch, volume, and rhythm when speaking
Good
Interrupting a person with speech impairments and trying to finish sentences for them
Bad
Listening patiently and, if needed, asking for clarification
Good
Putting your hands near your mouth when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing
Bad
Ensuring that a person who is deaf or hard of hearing has a clear view of your face
Good
Playing “guess who” games with people who are blind or visually impaired
Bad
Introducing yourself by name to a person who is blind
Good
Speaking to the friend or support worker of a person with a disability when the conversation is directed at the person with a disability
Bad
Speaking directly to the person who has the disability
Good
Assuming people with disabilities need help
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.
Offering help when it is truly needed
Good
Saying “hello”
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.
Interacting with a service animal without the owner’s knowledge or permission
Bad
Touching someone’s assistive device such as a wheelchair or cane
Bad - This is part of their personal space. Never touch, lean on, or pick up a person’s assistive device.
When in doubt, consider personal preferences
Good - What is considered appropriate differs from person to person.
