Disability etiquette involves how to interact with people who have disabilities, treating them as individuals and respecting their personal space. It is socially acceptable to ask if it is okay to shake hands and to be honest if you don’t understand what they are saying. Common sense and friendliness are key.
With 20 percent of Americans having some kind of disability, the odds are decent that many people know someone with a disability. Disability etiquette involves how to interact with people who have disabilities. These unwritten rules serve as a guideline for how people who don’t have a disability deal with people who do. Disability etiquette provides a way for people to feel comfortable around people with disabilities and helps avoid embarrassing situations.
Disability etiquette implies that an individual treats a person with a disability as a human being with feelings. A person is not defined by their disability and a person with a disability should be considered first and foremost an individual. It is decency to avoid asking questions about a person’s disability unless it is brought up. Etiquette includes not rushing to help a person with a disability without being asked. A person should only provide assistance if the offer is accepted and should not take offense if the request is rejected.
In most cases, it is acceptable to shake hands with a person after meeting them. However, when being introduced to a person with a disability, it may not always be socially acceptable to shake their hand. When first meeting a person with a disability, disability etiquette requires asking if it is acceptable to shake hands. Smiling with a warm verbal greeting is acceptable when first meeting a person with a disability.
When conversing with a disabled person, social etiquette dictates that you speak directly to him. An individual should try to make eye contact and speak directly with a person with a disability. A person should give his full attention when conversing. Disability etiquette also requires that an individual not act as if he understands what a person with a disability is saying if she does not. It is socially acceptable to be honest and ask the person with a disability to repeat themselves or to write down what they are trying to say.
Disability etiquette requires respect for the personal space of a person with a disability. When conversing with a wheelchair user, it is good decency to refrain from touching the wheelchair unless asked. Also, a person should try to stand at eye level when talking to a person in a wheelchair. When interacting with a person with low vision, etiquette requires that you refrain from treating a sighted-eyed dog as a pet.
Sometimes, a person may have a disability that may not be seen. These can include vision problems, hearing loss, mental disability or learning disabilities. Much of disability etiquette involves using common sense and acting in a friendly manner toward people with disabilities.
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