Interactions with People who have Disabilities

What do I say to people with disabilities?

How do I act?

People with Disabilities are PEOPLE FIRST
Sometimes people without disabilities feel awkward and don't know what to say or how to act around a person with a disability. The first thing to remember is that people with disabilities are people. The disability should be a secondary consideration. People with disabilities have goals, dreams, wants and desires similar to people without disabilities. The need for love, appreciation, fun, respect and the opportunity to be productive and valued are the same for people with and without disabilities.

It is important to use language and actions that avoid stereotyping people with disabilities in inappropriate ways.

General Guidelines

The following guidelines are designed to increase your comfort level when speaking and interacting with people who have disabilities. The best thing to remember is that if you do not know what to do or say: ASK. Allow the person with the disability to assist you.

When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to that person.

Treat adults as adults. Call a person by his or her first name only when you're extending this familiarity to everyone present.

Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common expressions, such as "see you later" or "got to be running along," that seems to relate to a person's disability.

People with disabilities are entitled to the courtesies that you extend to anyone. This includes their personal privacy. If you don't generally ask people about their complexions or their incomes, then don't ask people with disabilities about theirs.

If you don't make a habit of leaning or hanging on to people you're with, then don't lean or hang on someone's wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension of personal space for people who use them.

You may offer assistance to a person with a disability, but wait until your offer is accepted before you help, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.

Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.

When planning events involving people with disabilities, consider their needs ahead of time.

Don't use terms and phrases that imply how a person feels about his or her disability. Don't define someone by their disability. Use terms that are up-to-date and not derogatory.

Commit yourself to communicating effectively, courteously and appropriately.

Help break down the barriers.

Seek to understand and educate yourself and others about disabilities.