Tip #5 – Use Empowering Terminology Always use person first language when referring to someone with a disability. Say “person with a disability” not “disabled person”. Avoid negative disempowering words which focus on the impairment rather than the individual – such as “wheelchair bound”, “crippled” or “handicapped”. Some persons with disabilities dislike jargony euphemistic terms… Click to read the full article
Archives for October 2008
Disability Etiquette – Tip #4
Tip #4 – Communicate Effectively Always address a person with a disability directly. Don’t speak to his companion, assistant or sign language interpreter. The use of common expressions such as “see you later” or “it was good to hear from you” are also perfectly acceptable. When communicating with a person who is blind, make sure… Click to read the full article
Disability Etiquette – Tip #3
Tip #3 – Respect Private Space Persons with disabilities consider their equipment part of their personal space. Don’t touch any assistive device or push a wheelchair without permission. If a person uses a guide dog, don’t pet or distract the animal. Remember, the animal is working. If you need to make physical contact in order… Click to read the full article