[Ohio-talk] Disability etiquette
Cheryl Fields
cherylelaine1957 at gmail.com
Thu Dec 1 23:31:46 UTC 2016
Suzanne, thank you for this. As the holiday's approach and we may be
out and about a bit more with strangers, this may a good review for
us. It is good to share with others.
On 11/23/16, Suzanne Turner via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Good Afternoon,
>
>
>
> If you are seeking information on this topic here are some pointers and a
> web address below.
>
>
>
> Fact Sheet #17
>
> Disability Etiquette – Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities
>
> This fact sheet is intended to offer guidance more effectively during
> communicating with people with disabilities.
>
> <http://www.nationaldisabilitynavigator.org/wp-content/uploads/Materials/Fact-Sheet-17-Disability-Etiquette.pdf>
> Click here for a pdf version of this Fact Sheet
>
> For example, Speak to the person directly, not to the person accompanying
> them. Do not make assumptions about what they can or cannot do. The impact
> of a specific disability can vary widely from person to person, so offer
> assistance only if it appears to be needed. Acknowledge and respect the
> individual’s ability to make decisions and judgments on their own behalf.
>
> Always use “people first” language. For example, use the term “people with
> disabilities.” Do not use terms such as “the disabled” or “the handicapped.”
> Avoid referring to people by their disability. For example, do not say, “She
> is an epileptic.” Instead, say, “She has epilepsy.” Do not say
> “wheelchair-bound” or “confined to a wheelchair.” Most wheelchair users
> perceive their wheelchair as liberating, not confining. Do say, “She uses a
> wheelchair.” Do not use negative, demeaning, and outdated terms such as
> “cripple,” “deaf and dumb,” or “retarded.”
>
> Avoid using terms such as “physically challenged,” or “differently abled.”
> Also, avoid referring to an individual with a disability as someone who is
> “suffering from cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s.”
>
> People with All Types of Disabilities:
>
> * Introduce yourself and offer a handshake. People with limited hand
> use or wear an artificial limb usually can shake hands. The person will
> often tell you if they are not able to shake hands for some reason.
>
> * Always ask before providing assistance – wait until the offer is
> accepted.
>
> * Speak directly to the person and not their attendant, interpreter,
> family member, etc.
>
> * Do not pet service animals without checking with the owner first.
>
> * It is acceptable to ask questions if you are unsure how to proceed
> or what to do next.
>
> * As a navigator or enrollment specialist, at the beginning of the
> meeting it is a good idea to identify where the accessible restrooms are
> located.
>
> People with Mobility Disabilities
>
> * Do not push or touch a person’s wheelchair/scooter without their
> permission – a wheelchair is part of the personal body space of the person.
>
> * Try to insure there is space in your waiting room and your office
> for someone in a wheelchair or scooter to comfortably wait in their chair.
>
> * If you are speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair or a
> person who uses a mobility device for more than a few minutes, place
> yourself at eye level in front of the person to facilitate the conversation.
>
> People who are Blind or Low Vision
>
> * Always introduce yourself and anyone else who is present for the
> conversation.
>
> * If you are leaving the room or your desk, tell the person you are
> leaving. If there is an interruption, such as a phone ringing, knock on your
> door, or someone steps into your office, explain the interruption.
>
> * When conversing in a group, identify the person who is speaking
> and to whom you are speaking.
>
> * Speak directly to a person who is blind, not through a companion.
>
> * Offer to read information to a person when appropriate.
>
> * If you are asked to offer guidance, offer your arm so the person
> can grasp your elbow and proceed at a normal pace. Do not take a person’s
> arm and move them by the elbow.
>
> * Never leave a blind person standing alone in the middle of a room.
> Escort the person to a seat or place their hand on “a point of reference”
> such as a wall or table.
>
> * A Guide Dog walks on the left, so you should walk on the right. Do
> not pet a Guide Dog – the dog is responsible for guiding his/her master who
> cannot see and should not be distracted from their duty.
>
> * If assisting a person to a chair in your office, place their hand
> upon the back of the chair; do not try to push the person into a chair.
>
> People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
>
> * Make sure you get the person’s attention before you begin to
> communicate. It is not considered rude to lightly touch people you do not
> know to get their attention.
>
> * Speak directly to the person in your normal voice and not to their
> interpreter, if an interpreter is present.
>
> * Let the person establish their preferred method of communication
> for your conversation, such as lip reading, sign language, note writing.
> When speaking make eye contact.
>
> * Feel free to use gestures and visual cues, such as holding up
> items that you are discussing.
>
> * Explain if there is an interruption such as a phone ringing, knock
> at the door or any activity that is disruptive outside of your office.
>
> People with Speech and Language Disorders
>
> * People with speech and language disorders may take longer to
> communicate with you – be patient and respectful.
>
> * Be sensitive and do not interrupt or finish the person’s sentence.
>
> * Ask one question at a time, giving the person time to respond
> before moving on.
>
> * If the person uses any assistive technology devices, make sure the
> devices are always within the person’s reach.
>
> People with Cognitive or Intellectual Disabilities
>
> * Keep communication simple, using short sentences and completing
> one topic before moving to the next topic.
>
> * If possible, use pictures or other visual aids.
>
> * Ask if the person has any questions or if there is anything they
> would like for you to clarify. If you feel it is necessary, repeat what you
> understand the person to be saying and ask for confirmation if your
> understanding is correct.
>
> People with Mental Health or Behavioral Health Disabilities
>
> * If a person seems anxious or agitated, speak calmly and offer to
> repeat information.
>
> * If a person seems nervous or confused, be willing to break things
> down step-by-step to help them understand the application procedure.
>
> * Respect a person’s choice of language or terminology. For example,
> if they ask you to refer to something as a “mental health condition” instead
> of a “mental illness”, listen to their request. If they say they don’t have
> a mental health condition, but identify mental health treatment as a medical
> need, don’t disagree. Just help them select a plan with appropriate
> treatment.
>
> * If a person becomes upset or anxious, they may be confused or
> overwhelmed. Speak in a normal, calm tone of voice, repeat necessary
> information and reassure them.
>
> * If a person brings an assistor, be sure to speak directly to the
> person, not to the assistor.
>
> * Know the local mental health crisis number to contact if needed.
>
>
>
> http://www.nationaldisabilitynavigator.org/ndnrc-materials/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-17/
>
>
>
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--
Wishing You All the Best,
Cheryl E. Fields
A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human
life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will
never sit.
--D. Elton Trueblood
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