Littleton NH Model Communities

Littleton NH Model Communities

Disability Etiquette

"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." - Mahatma Gandhi

Since nearly one in five people in Littleton has a disability, the chances are good that you will have the opportunity to interact with someone with a disability every day. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable because they are unsure how to act or what to say. The following tips can help. Don't let fear of doing or saying something 'wrong' prevent you from getting to know someone with a disability. If you're unsure, start by saying 'hello'.

Some tips for communicating with people with disabilities

• Always ask before assisting someone with a disability.
• Offer to shake hands when introduced. It is acceptable to offer your left hand.
• Treat adults as adults.
• Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to do some things.
• Speak directly to the person, even if he or she is accompanied by a companion or a sign language interpreter.
• Don't lean on a person's wheelchair. A wheelchair is considered an extension of someone's personal space.
• When possible, sit to speak to a person in a wheelchair so that you can be at eye level with that person.
• Don't pet or distract a guide or companion dog when it is working.
• Give unhurried attention to a person who has difficulty speaking. If you didn't understand what the person said, ask them to repeat themselves rather than pretend to have understood.
• When speaking to a person who is hard of hearing, look directly at them, and speak slowly and calmly.
• Greet a person who is visually impaired by telling the person your name and where you are.

People-First language

People with disabilities are people, first. They are Moms, brothers, friends, co-workers, daughters, and neighbors. When we describe people by their labels or medical diagnoses, we devalue and disrespect them as individuals. When you in meet new people, you don't introduce yourself by what you can't do: 'Hello, I'll never be a professional quarterback.' You focus on your strengths, you describe what you do. This is the idea of 'people-first language'. Try saying 'people with disabilities' instead of 'the handicapped' or 'the disabled'.

For more information and examples, visit the Disability is Natural Web site.
For more information about disability etiquette in business settings, go online to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy Web site.