eInsights - August 2010

Disability Etiquette Twenty Years Later

July 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Much has changed for the better for the 54 million people with disabilities in the U.S. Yet, certain rules of etiquette elude individuals who struggle to find the right words or actions in interacting with individuals with disabilities. The effect of the ADA is a commitment to teaching sensitivity toward individuals with disabilities, feeling that it makes good sense to understand best practices for not only businesses but for everyday life. The following tips on disability etiquette are taken from the United Spinal Association which played a role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Why is disability etiquette important?
Good manners make all people feel comfortable yet many people feel awkward in asking about the proper way to approach individuals that have disability challenges. If a person is unsure how to interact with a person who has a disability, they can just ask. Many times individuals with disabilities feel comfortable explaining what is appropriate, especially to children.

Ask before you help
Just because someone has a disability, don’t assume that they want help. Adults, in particular, want to be treated as independent people. Offer assistance only if the person appears to need it. If he does want help, ask how before you act.

Be sensitive about physical contact
Some people with disabilities depend on their arms for balance. Grabbing them – even if your intention is to assist – could knock them off balance. Avoid patting a person on the head or touching his wheelchair, scooter or cane. People with disabilities consider their equipment part of their personal space.

Think before you speak
Always speak directly to the person with a disability, not to his companion, aide or sign language interpreter. Making small talk with a person who has a disability is great; just talk to him as you would anyone else.

Don’t Make Assumptions
People with disabilities are the best judge of what they can or cannot do. Do not make decisions for them about participating in any activity.

Wheelchair users
Wheelchair users are people, not equipment. Don’t lean over someone in a wheelchair to shake another person’s hand or ask a wheelchair user to hold coats. Setting your drink on the desktop attached to someone’s wheelchair is a no-no.

Don’t push or touch a person’s wheelchair. It is part of their personal space. If you help someone down a curb without waiting for instructions, you may dump her out of the chair.

When talking to a wheelchair user, grab your own chair and sit at her level. If that is not possible, stand at a slight distance, so that the person isn’t straining their neck to make eye contact with you.

Brace users
People who use canes or crutches need their arms to balance themselves, so never grab them.

Seizure disorders
If a person has a seizure, you cannot do anything to stop it. If he has fallen, be sure his head is protected and wait for the seizure to end.

When a seizure has ended, the person may feel disoriented and embarrassed. Try to ensure that he has privacy to collect himself.

United Spinal regularly hosts training sessions and webinars with corporations and educational institutions focusing not only on improving interaction with people with disabilities, but also increasing sensitivity in the workplace and marketplace to issues facing people with all types of disabilities. For more tips on disability etiquette or to find out webinar information, log on to www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-444-0120.