Etiquette for Communicating with People with Disabilities

 

1. Address people who have disabilities by their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others. Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.

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   2. A wheelchair is part of the personal body space of the person who uses it. Leaning on a person’s wheelchair is similar to              leaning on a person and is generally considered inappropriate.

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   3. Listen attentively when you’re talking with a person who has difficulty speaking. Be patient and wait for the person to finish,        rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, a nod or                shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty in doing so. Instead, repeat what you have                  understood and allow the person to respond.

 

   4. When speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair or a person who uses crutches, place yourself at eye level in front of            the person to facilitate the conversation.

 

   5. To get the attention of a person who is deaf, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person        and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to determine if the person can read your lips. Be sensitive to those who lip read            by placing yourself so that you face the light source and keeping hands and food away from your mouth when speaking.

 

   6. Don’t be embarrassed if you use common expressions – such as “See you later” or “Did you hear about that?” – that seem          to relate to the person’s disability. It’s okay to ask questions when you’re unsure of what to do.

 

—Disable Disrespect, Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities

 

Links to Other Disability Organizations:

 

Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc
Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
Indiana Bureau of Developmental Disability Services
Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities
Americans with Disabilities Act

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