Disability Etiquette 101

Brandi L. Darensbourg, CRC, Ph.D.

Use of Language

• What you say DOES matter• You may offend someone without intending to do so• Using outdated or euphemistic language may be seen as

demeaning• Use of slang is inappropriate

Terms

• Impairment (organ level): any loss of physical or psychological functioning at the organ level.

• Disability(person level): any restrictions or lack of ability to function in a certain area due to some type of impairment.

• Handicap (societal level): any environmental or societal barrier that limits or prevents a person with a disability from performing certain tasks.

Person First Language

• View the person from a holistic viewpoint• Persons first and disabilities second• Examples:

Correct Incorrect

Person with blindness Blind person

Child with autism Autistic child

People with disabilities The disabled

Words to Avoid

• Crippled• Retarded• Suffers• Wheelchair bound

Tips and Hints

• Be yourself• People are individuals and have individual preferences.• Ask the person if they need assistance before taking action.

Respect their wishes if they say no. • If the person desires help, wait for their instructions on what

you should do.• Avoid asking probing questions about the person’s disability.

Unless the disability is pertinent to the conversation, there’s usually no reason to mention it at all.

More Tips

• Speak directly to the person with the disability, not their companion.• A handshake is NOT a standard greeting for everyone. When in doubt, ask

the person if they wish to shake hands with you. A smile along with a spoken greeting is always appropriate.

• Treat adults as adults• Don’t pretend to understand. Ask the person to repeat as necessary.• Relax. Don’t be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common

expressions such as “See you later,” or “Did you hear about that?” that seems to relate to a person’s disability.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Assisting Persons Who Use

Wheelchairs

• The wheelchair may be a part of the person’s space, so be respectful and don’t hang or lean on it unless you have the person’s permission

• Speak directly to the person, and in some cases you may wish to sit or kneel to get at the same level as the person using the wheelchair.

• Architectural barriers, such as stairs, narrow doorways, curbs, etc., in public places may create inconveniences for wheelchair users, so keep that in mind when providing directions.

• When A person transfers from the chair to another seating space, do not move the wheelchair out of arm’s reach, unless instructed to do so.

Communicating with Persons with

Speech Impairments

• Be patient with the person who has difficulty speaking and try not to finish their sentences.

• Be encouraging rather than correcting.• If you have difficulty understanding the person, do not

pretend that you do. • Repeat to clarify what you heard.• Ask the person to write down what he or she is saying.

Communicating with persons with

Cognitive or Intellectual Disabilities

• Use short sentences and simple, concrete words.• Try not to argue with the person if you think the person is

incorrect.• Be respectful and speak to the person in an age appropriate

manner.• Be patient and give extra time for the person to process the

conversation.• Look for signs of confusion or miscommunication.

Assisting Persons Who are Deaf or

Hard of Hearing

• Hearing may only increase volume not clarity of sounds.• Get the person’s attention with a tap on the shoulder, wave of the hand,

or another appropriate gesture.• Speak clearly and slowly but without exaggerations.• If the person reads lips, keep hands and food away from your mouth

when talking• If the person uses an interpreter, speak directly to the person and not the

interpreter.• Write words down if necessary.• Use sign language if you and the person are familiar with it.

Assisting Persons with Visual

Impairments

• When you enter or exit a room, let the person know and inform them of who you are.

• When offering assistance, do not grab the person or their cane.

• Be specific with directions, so avoid words like, “this or that way.”

• Do not assume that all people with blindness or visual impairments read Braille.

• You may need to communicate any written information verbally.

Assisting Persons with Multiple

Chemical Sensitivities

• Be sure to ask what the person is sensitive to, including his or her history of reactions to various drugs or food.

• It may be beneficial for a person with multiple chemical sensitivity to bring his or her own equipment or supplies.

• Avoid placing the person in rooms with recent pesticide sprays, strong scented products like disinfectants, cleaners, scented candles and room fresheners, new paint or carpet, or other recent remodeling.

• Allow the person to wear a mask or respirator, use an air filter, or open a window as needed.

Assistive Devices

• Treat canes, crutches, or other mobility aids as part of the person

• Don’t lean on a person’s wheelchair• Don’t push a wheelchair unless specifically asked to do so• Have seating available if a wheelchair user wishes to transfer

out of his/her chair

Service Animals

• View service animals as an extension of the person• Don’t pet, feed, or distract service animals• Understand that the person may not wish to discuss her/his

use of the service animal

Questions???????

Resources

• Arizona Bridge to Independent Living: http://www.abil.org/disability-etiquette-tips/

• City of San Antonio Disability Etiquette Handbook: http://www.sanantonio.gov/DAO/PublicationsandMaps/DisabilityEtiquetteHandbook.aspx

• Job Accomodation Network: https://askjan.org/topics/disetiq.htm

• Office of Disability Employment Policy: Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)