Disability Etiquette Tips
Read these 10 Disability Etiquette Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Special-Ed tips and hundreds of other topics.
Restaurants
If you're a waiter or waitress, treat people with disabilities with respect. Never assume they can't read. Hand them a menu and always talk to them. Don't ask whoever they are with what they want to eat or if they are finished yet.
Helping Others
If you think someone with a disability needs assistance, ask first. Don't grab their wheelchair or equipment without asking first unless it's an emergency.
Using a Wheelchair
When you discuss someone being in a wheelchair, avoid saying confined to a wheelchair. Many people with disabilities are not confined, they just need to use the wheelchair for mobility.
Remember that just because a student is in a wheelchair doesn't mean they're mentally retarded, deaf, or has any other disability.
People First Language
When speaking or writing about someone with a disability, use people first language. Say the person before the disability. This shows greater respect to the person rather than the disability.
Instead of saying "Disabled John"
Say "John has a disability."
Speech Impairments
If you can't understand someone who has a speech impediment, politely ask them to repeat themselves. Never just ignore or pretend that you know what they said.
Service Animals
When encountering someone with a service animal, act normal. This way the animal won't be scared or distracted. If you wish to pet the dog, always ask first. Also, don't just talk to the dog, but talk to the owner.
Patting Heads
Don't pat someone with a disability on the head. They are people and not a pet. Treat them with respect and dignity.
Avoid These Terms
When talking about or to someone with a disability, try to avoid these words and phrases:
- cripple Use - can't walk or disabled.
- confined to a wheelchair Use - uses a wheelchair
- handicap Use - physically disabled
Down to Their Level
When talking to someone in a wheelchair, please try to be at the same level they are. You can kneel or sit on a chair yourself. This makes it easier to communicate by helping eye contact.
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