Disabilities encompass a wide range of physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental conditions that can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Disabilities can be either visible or invisible and may be present from birth or acquired later in life.

Here are some tips to be more aware, respectful and inclusive of people with disabilities.

People First

• Follow the language a person uses to describe themselves.
• Some people prefer person-first language, such as “person with a disability.” Others prefer identity-first language, such as “disabled person,” “autistic person,” or “Deaf person.”
• Both approaches can express respect. If you need to describe someone’s disability and are unsure which wording they prefer, ask.
• Mention a person’s disability when it is relevant to the conversation, and respect their privacy.

Disability Terminology

• A disability is one aspect of a person’s identity and doesn’t define the whole person.
• A disability is a condition that limits a person’s vision, hearing, speech, mobility, or mental function, caused by factors such as accidents, trauma, disease, or genetics.
• Barriers are constraints imposed by the environment, systems, or attitudes around a person. These can be physical or related to attitudes and assumptions about people with disabilities. For example, stairs and curbs can create barriers for wheelchair users. Advocate for removing barriers in your workplace by suggesting improvements when you see them.

Wheelchair Etiquette

• Don’t assume that using a wheelchair is tragic. Wheelchairs offer the freedom to engage more fully in life.
• A person’s wheelchair is part of their personal space. Never touch or move their wheelchair without permission. It’s rude and can be dangerous.
• Don’t assist the person without permission. It’s okay to offer assistance. If the offer isn’t accepted, respect the person’s wishes.

Hearing Disability Etiquette

• Find a quiet location to communicate, and keep conversations clear.
• Ask which method of communication or language is preferred.
• Face good lighting, and your mouth visible while speaking.
• Look at and speak to the person, rather than at an interpreter or others.
• Gently use facial expressions and gestures to enhance communication.
• Speak clearly in a normal tone, unless the person asks you to adjust your volume or speaking style.
• If asked to repeat yourself, comply. Answering “nothing, it’s not important” is demeaning and implies the person isn’t worth repeating yourself.

Visual Disability Etiquette

• When walking with a person who is blind or has low vision, offer guidance and respect their response.
• If you are dining with a person with a visual disability, ask if you can read the menu, or describe what’s on their plate.
• Let the person know when you are leaving the room.

Cognitive or Language Impairments Etiquette

• Treat each person as an individual with talents and abilities, and deserving respect and dignity. People can tell if they are being talked down to, which can worsen the situation.
• Adjust your communication to the person’s needs.
• Give extra time for the person to process what’s being said and to respond. Look for signs of stress and/or confusion, and be patient and reassuring.

People With Disabilities: Equal But Different

• Treat people with disabilities with the same respect and consideration as anyone else.
• Make events accessible to people with different mobility, sensory, communication, and cognitive needs. Ask what access arrangements people need rather than making assumptions.
• Don’t assume that a person’s disability is the most important aspect of who they are. Assume people with disabilities have the same problems as everyone else.
• However, recognize that having a disability may impact how people view themselves and how they experience the world due to discrimination and specific stresses they may face.

Good Conversation

• Talk about the same things you would talk about with anyone else such as hobbies, food, and the arts.
• Listen to and take cues from people with disabilities, regarding what they do and don’t want to share or talk about.
• Don’t limit conversation with people with disabilities to disabilities issues.

Avoid Stereotypes, Jokes

• Avoid stereotypes, even if you believe they’re compliments.
• Don’t tell or don’t laugh at disability-related jokes. Don’t use or tolerate disabled slurs.
• Don’t tolerate disrespect or harassment. Speak out and object if someone stereotypes or makes offensive comments or jokes.