Disability Etiquette

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Gerlinda Studios: Disability Etiquette
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June 2, 2010 - 1:58pm

The delicate dance of ‘politically correct’ behavior influences all of us. When it comes to interacting with those of us who are disabled, many are not familiar with what’s appropriate. Paraquad, an Independent Living Center for persons with disabilities, located in St. Louis, suggests some basic guidelines that might ease sensitive communications.

Make reference to the person first, then the disability. Say “a person with a disability” rather than “a disabled person.” Avoid words like “cripple, handicapped and invalid.” If the disability isn’t relevant to the story or conversation, don’t mention it.

A person is not a condition, so avoid describing a person as such.

Don’t present someone as “an epileptic.” Instead, say “a person with epilepsy.”

Don’t feel obligated to act as a caregiver to people with disabilities. Offer assistance, but wait until your offer is accepted before you help.

When talking to a person who has a physical or mental disability, speak directly to that person. Don’t speak to that person through a companion or refer to him/her in third person while in his/her presence. For people who communicate through sign language, speak to them, not to the interpreter. When talking to a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at eye level with that person.

Avoid the words “restricted, confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair bound. Instead, say “uses a wheelchair.”

There are many ways to dignify persons with disabilities and it’s just as much our responsibility, as persons with disabilities, to communicate our preferences, needs and boundaries, as it is for those without disabilities to be sensitive and empowering. We can all work together to break down obsolete stereotypes that that serve no one.