"If all you see is the disability...you
might be missing a lot. People with disabilities are just people." Meredith Vieira, NBC News
The federal government defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more "major life activities." According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 49.7 million Americans
have a disability, which includes people of all ages. About two-thirds of these individuals have a severe disability. People with
disabilities represent all races, colors and creeds.
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2.1 Etiquette2.1.1 Discrimination
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People with disabilities often suffer from being labeled by their disability and are faced with prejudice. Since people with
disabilities are sometimes separated from the mainstream due to their special needs they may also struggle with inclusion. Others often
make assumptions and judge people with disabilities without knowing the facts or getting to know the person.
Suffering from a
disability does not make a person inferior; all people deserve respect.
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2.1.2 Overcome Attitudinal Barriers
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As children, we are curious - pointing to anything unfamiliar and asking questions. We have few, if any, inhibitions. As adults, we
learn to censor our queries, feeling uncomfortable with anything unfamiliar. It is human nature and not unusual, therefore, to be
concerned about interactions with people who use wheelchairs, who are blind, who are deaf, or whom we find difficult to understand. We may
be concerned that we will say the wrong thing, ask an inappropriate question, or unintentionally offend. We do not want to appear
uninformed or insensitive. We might feel intimidated by communicating with someone with a disability because we are unaware of appropriate
etiquette. However, communicating with a person with a disability is quite easy; just approach them with respect and courtesy.
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2.1.2 What can you do?
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Positive language empowers those with disabilities. Avoid generalizations and offensive labels when speaking to or about people with
disabilities.
- The person comes first - When writing or speaking about people with disabilities, it is important to put the
person first - to focus on the person, not the disability. It is important to use words that reflect individuality, equality or
dignity - for example: the person who is blind, the child who is deaf, the individual with a disability.
- Communicate with respect and courtesy - When speaking with a person with a disability, talk directly to the
person, not his or her companion. Extend common courtesies such as shaking hands and handing over business cards.
- Listen - don't pretend - If the person has a speech impairment and you are having difficulty understanding
what he or she is saying, ask the individual to repeat, rather than pretending to understand.
- Wait for permission - If you believe that an individual with a disability needs assistance, go ahead and
offer the assistance - but wait for your offer to be accepted before you try to help.
- Be respectful - If you wish to get the attention of a person who is deaf, tap the person gently on the
shoulder or arm. Look directly at the person, and speak clearly in a normal tone of voice.
- Do not distract service animals - If you encounter an individual with a service animal, such as a dog, please
do not touch or distract the animal. Service animals are working, and it breaks their training to interact with others when they
are on duty.
- Wheelchair etiquette - If you are having a conversation with a person who uses a wheelchair, if at all
possible put yourself at the person's eye level. Never lean on or touch a person's wheelchair or any other assistive device. A
person's assistive device is part of the person's personal space, and it is jarring or disturbing for anyone to have his or her
personal space invaded.
- Stay positive - Believing that your child with a disability has a bright future is one of the ways to help
assure that they will.
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