Disability Etiquette

After an initial greeting, sit down so that a person using a wheelchair won't have to crane their neck to make eye contact.

Shake whatever a person offers in greeting - a hand, prosthesis or elbow.

When speaking with a person with a hearing impairment, try to keep your face out of the shadows and your hands away from your mouth as you speak.

If you are speaking to someone and a sign-language interpreter is present, remember to look at and talk to the person, not the interpreter.

If someone's ability to read, write or handle documents is limited, be prepared to provide assistance in completing paperwork.

When someone with a disability enters an establishment, don't assume he/she needs your help. Greet the person and tell them you're available for assistance.

Always speak directly to a person with a disability. Don't assume a companion is a conversational go-between.

When you offer to assist someone who is visually impaired, allow the person to take your arm so you can guide, rather than propel him.

Act naturally. Don't be afraid to use expressions such as "Would you like to see that?" or "Let me run over there." On the other hand, don't ask personal questions you wouldn't ask someone without a disability.

Wheelchairs are extensions of the personal space of the people using them. Don't stand or lean on them

When speaking with a person with a speech difficulty, talk normally. Don't pretend to understand when you don't. If necessary, ask the person to repeat. They've experienced this before and know that problems can arise.