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Tip #2 – Always Ask, Never Assume

Ask before you help.  If a setting is accessible, persons with disabilities can usually get along on their own.  If you are uncertain in any situation – just ask.  Don’t assume.  Persons with disabilities 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. 

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Following proper disability etiquette is one of the best ways to make persons with disabilities feel welcome and comfortable in any setting.  Disability etiquette also makes good business sense – helping you to expand your practice and effectively serve your customers.  The following 7 posts will provides specific tips on disability etiquette.

Tip #1 – Respect the Individual 

Persons with disabilities have families, jobs, hobbies, hopes and fears.  They are people first and even though their disability is an integral part of who they are, it is not what defines them.  Don’t turn persons with disabilities into heroes or a faceless “they,” but respect them as individuals who have much to offer.

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I recently did a training on job retention with my colleague Laura Ware from Corporation for Supportive Housing.  I was amazed to find out that so many people don’t know about the Job Accommodation Network – affectionately known as JAN.  The JAN website is your one-stop shop for reasonable accommodation solutions.  They have information for both individuals and employers.  If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check it out.  I’ve used both their website and their toll free number on a variety of occasions and have found both to be extremely helpful. 

You can visit JAN at: www.jan.wvu.edu or call them toll free at: (800)526-7234 (Voice), (877)781-9403 (TTY), or (304)293-7186 if you’re calling locally or outside the United States. 
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