Disability Etiquette
Archived posts from this Category
WIA Section 188 Checklist
Posted by admin on 24 Feb 2011 | Tagged as: Accessibility, Disability Etiquette, Reasonable Accommodations
If you are a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funded program or are a partner of a One-Stop, today’s resource is actually the source of many of the recommendations I share with One-Stops during my one-on-one consultations and disability-related trainings. It’s meant to help providers in implementing the regulations related to serving customers with disabilities.
I’d recommend saving this as a resource or web “favorite,” so you can easily access it if you need to clarify or research specific information: http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/crc/section188.htm
The 411 on Disability Disclosure
Posted by admin on 28 Oct 2010 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette, Interview Strategies, Resources
I came upon this resource in one of the publications I receive each month. It focuses on disability disclosure. You can actually download this workbook for free. Although it’s geared toward youth, many of the topics apply no matter what age you are. There is also an accompanying workbook for adults that can be completed in tandem.
You can download the workbook at:
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure-for-adults
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Webcasts
Posted by admin on 15 Oct 2010 | Tagged as: Accessibility, Disability Etiquette, Reasonable Accommodations, Resources
In addition to being an excellent resource for reasonable accommodation questions and information, JAN also conducts monthly webcasts on a variety of disability related topics. The webcasts are available at no cost. This is a great way to educate staff and gain additional professional development training hours. Topics may include: disability etiquette, assistive technologies, management techniques, and the latest on accommodations and the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). November’s training focuses exclusively on Veterans issues. All webcasts last an hour, and you must register to attend.
You can view the webcast schedule by visiting:
Disability Etiquette – Tip #7
Posted by admin on 17 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette
Tip #7 – Be Sensitive to Hidden Disabilities
If a person makes a request that seems out of the ordinary, it may be related to a hidden disability. Hidden disabilities including a variety of conditions such as a learning or psychiatric disability. Be sensitive to needs that may not be apparent.
Disability Etiquette – Tip #6
Posted by admin on 14 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Accessibility, Disability Etiquette
Tip #6 – Ensure Accessibility
Ensuring your facilities are safe and accessible to a wide variety of persons is one of the best ways to communicate an open and accepting attitude towards persons with disabilities.
Disability Etiquette – Tip #5
Posted by admin on 10 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette
Tip #5 – Use Empowering Terminology
Always use person first language when referring to someone with a disability. Say “person with a disability” not “disabled person”. Avoid negative disempowering words which focus on the impairment rather than the individual – such as “wheelchair bound”, “crippled” or “handicapped”. Some persons with disabilities dislike jargony euphemistic terms like “physically challenged” or “differently abled”. If you are unsure of which words to use – ask.
Disability Etiquette – Tip #4
Posted by admin on 07 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette
Tip #4 – Communicate Effectively
Always address a person with a disability directly. Don’t speak to his companion, assistant or sign language interpreter. The use of common expressions such as “see you later” or “it was good to hear from you” are also perfectly acceptable. When communicating with a person who is blind, make sure you keep them well oriented. If you are providing directions, be specific. If you are in a group, verbally introduce everyone so that the person can take part in the conversation and always let them know before you leave their side.
When speaking to a person utilizing a wheelchair or to a person of short stature, the conversation will be much more comfortable if you face them on the same level. You can pull up a chair for longer conversations or kneel down.
A person who is deaf or hard of hearing may use a combination of lip reading and / or American Sign Language (ASL). While many individuals who are Deaf utilize ASL, it is not used by everyone and is not universal across cultures. For instance, someone in Mexico may utilize a different type of sign language than someone in the United States. When speaking, make sure to face the person during a conversation. Speak clearly and be sure not to cover your mouth or shout.. If the person is hard of hearing, their hearing aid will be calibrated to normal voice level. Your shout will only distort it and also make you look foolish. If a sign language interpreter is not available or the person is not a native signer, a low cost and immediate alternative, if the customer is comfortable, is to type back and forth on a computer or to use instant messaging.
For those individuals that have difficulty speaking, never pretend to understand what someone is saying. Ask them to repeat their sentence. Most people won’t mind and will appreciate your effort to listen.
Disability Etiquette – Tip #3
Posted by admin on 03 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette
Tip #3 – Respect Private Space
Persons with disabilities consider their equipment part of their personal space. Don’t touch any assistive device or push a wheelchair without permission. If a person uses a guide dog, don’t pet or distract the animal. Remember, the animal is working. If you need to make physical contact in order to assist a person, always ask first. Never grab a person without warning as this may cause them to lose their balance. In the case of a person who is blind – offer your arm rather than taking his.
Disability Etiquette – Tip #2
Posted by admin on 30 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette
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.
Disability Etiquette – Tip #1
Posted by admin on 26 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: Disability Etiquette
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.
