Tip #7 – Be Sensitive to Hidden Disabilities  If a person makes a request that seems out of the ordinary, it may be related to a hidden disability.  Hidden disabilities including a variety of conditions such as a learning or psychiatric disability.  Be sensitive to needs that may not be apparent. 

Tip #6 – Ensure Accessibility Ensuring your facilities are safe and accessible to a wide variety of persons is one of the best ways to communicate an open and accepting attitude towards persons with disabilities. 

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

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

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

Tip #2 – Always Ask, Never Assume Ask before you help.  If a setting is accessible, persons with disabilities can usually get along on their own.  If you are uncertain in any situation – just ask.  Don’t assume.  Persons with disabilities are the best judge of what they can or cannot do and will also…   Click to read the full article