Disability Etiquette - Top Tips and Polite Practices

 

In your everyday life, there is a very good chance that you will encounter someone with disability, whether it be friends, family, co-workers or customers. In most cases, you may not feel confident in the best ways to interact with someone who has a disability.In general, don’t assume they require special treatment but because they are differently a bled there may be some alternate language and customary behaviour you can incorporate to make them feel comfortable and accommodated. With the proper disability etiquette and inclusivity training you will feel confident in your abilities to interact with those who have disabilities without ostracizing them.

Respect the individual

One of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with differently a bled people is that they need love and respect just like everyone else. Even though their disability is an integral part of who they are, it is not what defines them as a person.

Always ask, never assume

Whenever it comes to doing anything for a person with a disability, it is always recommended to ask before you help. The reason here is that they are the best judge of what they can or cannot do and will also be able to let you know how you can be of assistance. In many cases, they may prefer to do things themselves and assuming they need help can be just as offensive or more offensive than not helping at all.

Respect private space

Just like anyone else, people with a disability need and want their personal space. During our disability etiquette and inclusive training programs, we teach you the ways you can offer assistance while continuing to respect the personal space and boundaries of a person with disability. Make sure that you never touch any assistive device or push a wheelchair without being asked to.

Communicate effectively

This disability etiquette training is designed to help people learn how to properly communicate with people who have disabilities. Language is very powerful and certain words or phrases can be demeaning or oppressive, using proper inclusive language can be empowering.

Whether you have a friend, family member or co-worker that has a disability or you work in an establishment that serves customers of any kind, we highly you recommend you consider taking our Disability etiquette and Inclusivity training as a way to expand your understanding and set you up for successful social interactions with the disabled community moving forward.