Affirmative Action
Guide to Etiquette and Behavior
for
Relating to Persons With Disabilites
General Guidelines
Remember that a person who has
a disability is a person -- like anyone else.
Relax. If you don't
know what to do or say, allow the person who has
a disability to help put you at ease.
Do not assume anything.
If you have a question about what to do, how to
do it, what language or terminology to use, what
assistance to offer, ask the person with the disability.
That person should be your first and best resource. Offer assistance, quietly
and tactfully, if it seems needed, but don't overdo
it or insist on it or make a scene. Respect the
person's right to reject help or to indicate the
kind of help needed. If, for whatever reason,
you cannot assist in the way that is asked, be
open in discussing this with the person with the
disability. You have a right to set limits on what
you can and cannot do. Your relationship with a
person with a disability should be, like any other
relationship, a reciprocal one. If there is time and
opportunity, explore your mutual interests in a
friendly way. The person probably has many interests
besides those connected with the disability and
the job. Talk about the disability
if it comes up naturally, without prying. Be guided
by the wishes of the person with the disability. Appreciate what the
person can do. Remember that difficulties the person
may be facing may stem more from society's attitudes
and barriers than from the disability itself. Be considerate of the
extra time it might take for a person with a disability
to get things said or done. Let the person set
the pace in walking or talking. Speak directly to a
person who has a disability. Don't consider a companion
or interpreter to be a conversational go-between. Don't move a wheelchair,
crutches, or other mobility aids out of reach of
a person who uses them. Never start to push
a wheelchair without first asking the occupant
if you may do so. Before deciding whether
or not to push a wheelchair up or down a step,
curb, or other obstruction, ask the person if and
how he or she wants you to proceed; and be respectful
of your own limitations. Don't lean on a person's
wheelchair when talking; it is an invasion of personal
space. Don't pat a person in a wheelchair on the
head; that is patronizing. Give whole, unhurried
attention to the person who has difficulty speaking.
Don't talk for the person, but give help when needed.
Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting.
When necessary, ask questions that require short
answers or a nod or shake of the head. Don't pretend to understand
a person with a speech difference when you do not.
Don't be afraid to let the person know that you
do not understand. Be patient, not only with the
person with the disability but also with yourself. Speak calmly, slowly,
and distinctly to a person who has a hearing problem
or other difficulty understanding. Stand in front
of the person, speak directly to the person, and
use natural gestures to aid communication. When
full understanding is doubtful, try writing notes. When dining with a person
who has trouble cutting meat or buttering rolls,
offer to help. Explain to a person who has a visual
problem where dishes, utensils, and condiments
are located on the table. Do not pet or otherwise
distract dog guides; they are working and must
not be distracted.
Be alert to possible
existence of architectural barriers in places you
may want to enter with a person who has a disability.
Watch for inadequate lighting, which inhibits communication
by persons who have hearing problems.
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