A few weeks ago, I came across a pamphlet about how our words and actions can affect those with disabilities. It really affected me, so I decided to dig deeper. I’m sure many of us have been in a situation where we look back and wish we had done something different, chosen a better word, or reacted differently. Our words and actions can either hurt or help. It made me think about my own actions. Are they respectful and adding value to those around me? There are 54 million Americans with disabilities. Having a disability is a significant part of some people’s lives, but it isn’t the most significant part of their identity. Using words such as “people with disabilities” or “a person with a disability” shows you value them as a person first.
As I began to research this topic, I came across a website for The Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. I found the following tips for communicating and interacting with people with disabilities who live, work, go to school, play, worship and volunteer in your community:
During my research the key messages I found are using the word “disability” is okay, but we need to remove words like “handicapped”, “special needs”, “victim of”, “unfortunate”, “retarded”, “slow”, “different” from our vocabulary. When talking with people with disabilities don’t use words such as “normal” or “healthy” to describe someone without a disability. These terms can make someone with disabilities feel as though there is something wrong with them. When in doubt, call a person with a disability by his or her name.
As I began to research this topic, I came across a website for The Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. I found the following tips for communicating and interacting with people with disabilities who live, work, go to school, play, worship and volunteer in your community:
- First, just relax. It’s okay to ask questions when you’re unsure of what to do. And don’t be embarrassed if you use common phrases, such as “See you later” or “Did you hear about that?” that seem to relate to a person’s disability.
- When introduced to a person with a disability, offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb usually can shake hands. Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting.
- When meeting a person who is blind, always identify yourself and others who are with you. When talking in a group, try to remember to name the person to whom you are speaking.
- When talking with a person with a disability, use eye contact and speak directly to that person and not through a companion or sign language interpreter.
- If you offer to help, wait until the offer is accepted. Then, listen or ask for instructions.
- Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others. Never patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.
- Wheelchairs and other assistive devices are part of the personal body space of the people who use them. Leaning on a person’s wheelchair is like leaning on the person and is generally considered inappropriate.
- Listen attentively when you’re talking with a person who has difficulty speaking. Use patience and wait for the person to finish, rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary, ask short questions that lend to short answers, a nod or shake of the head.
- When speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair, try to place yourself at eye level in front of the person to facilitate the conversation.
- To get the attention of a person who is Deaf, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly or slowly to decide if the person can read your lips.
During my research the key messages I found are using the word “disability” is okay, but we need to remove words like “handicapped”, “special needs”, “victim of”, “unfortunate”, “retarded”, “slow”, “different” from our vocabulary. When talking with people with disabilities don’t use words such as “normal” or “healthy” to describe someone without a disability. These terms can make someone with disabilities feel as though there is something wrong with them. When in doubt, call a person with a disability by his or her name.