Disability etiquette refers to guidelines on how to interact and communicate with people with disabilities (PWD). These guidelines ensure that PWD are treated with respect, equity and professionally. The focus of the guidelines in on being respectful, thoughtful and inclusive in your communication and interaction with PWD.
The guidelines are as follows:
Introducing your self
When introducing yourself offer a handshake and wait for the person to accept your handle. People with an artificial limb or upper limb difference will accept a handshake or tell you how they would like to greet other. Moreover, some people with sensory challenges prefer a fist bump or a simple wave to acknowledge others. Allow the person with the disability to guide the interaction.
Communicate with the individual and maintain eye contact
When communicating with a person with a disability, maintain eye contact even if they cannot hold your gaze. Also, if the person is accompanied by an ASL interpreter, aid, caregiver or friend, speak directly to the person with a disability. Do not look the interpreter, aid or caregiver, maintain eye contact with the person with the disability, because that is the person with whom you are having the discussion. When you direct your attention to others while you “speak through” them, this considered disrespectful and non-verbally undermines the autonomy and dignity of the person with the disability. When speaking with a person using a mobility device, place yourself at eye level in front of the person which speaking with them.
Use person first language
In general, language communicate intent, shapes attitude and strengthens stereotypes. Language can also be stigmatizing and dehumanizing. Therefore, use language to acknowledges the person instead of the disability. That is, when speaking about the individual’s disability, acknowledge the person first “people with disability” not disabled person. This form of language emphasizes individuality and dignity and helps separate the person from the stereotype associated with the disability. Also, do use language that suggest assumptions about a person’s limitation. For example, do not say, “wheelchair-bound” or “confined to a wheelchair” to describe someone who uses a wheelchair. While you make experience a using a wheelchair a deficit, some individuals experience the use of a wheelchair as a liberating experience that allows them to work, play and engage community.
Respect Assistive Devices and Service Animals
Wheelchair, walkers, white canes, hearing aids and communication devices are all extension of the individual using it. Therefore, touching them without consent is considered distressful and a violation of personal space. In some instances, touching a personal device can be harmful, as with the case of service animals. Service animals are working animals, therefore, engaging the animal in play, petting, or calling the attention of the animals, distracts the animals from completing their job which can present a safety issue to individual. Therefore, refrain from touching personal devices or animals. If you believe that the individual needs assistance and to do would require you to touch their animal or personal device. Describe your concern, ask to intervene and wait for the individual’s response. Be respectful of their response even if they decline your offer for assistance.
Ensure Accessibility
Ensure that physical spaces, digital and verbal communication is accessible and that people with all types of disability can fully participate in your meeting or activity in a meaningful way just as a person without a disability can.
Ask before offering help
You may perceive that a person with a disability may need help and want to jump to the rescue. But unsolicited help can appear patronizing and disempowering. Also, in general people with disabilities can take care of themselves. If you would like to help. Ask: “would you like assistance? If they decline, accept it graciously. If they accept your assistance, ask how can you help. Do not assume you know what is best for the individual. Remember the person with a disability is an independent autonomous individual.
