Disability Etiquette 101 and Beyond Paula B Golladay Internal Revenue Service Contact Information

Agenda Facts and Figures – Employment Disability Categories – Overview Guidelines Negative Terminology Positive Terminology Electronic Devices It is not okay to say… It is okay to say… Concepts Last thoughts

Facts and Figures – The Upfront Information The National Organization on Disability (NOD) reports that more than 54 million Americans have a disability March 2015 Unemployment – 5.3 % (WOW) March 2015 Unemployment Individuals with Disabilities (IWD) % (OH NO!!) Average underemployment rate for Individuals with Disabilities – 22-25%

Guidelines – In A Nutshell Sensitivity towards people with disabilities makes good business sense Practicing disability etiquette is an easy way to make all to feel welcome If you are ever unsure how to interact with a person who has a disability, just ask Do not assume everyone walks alike, talks alike, acts alike – not all disabilities are alike Do not lump people with the same disability together – as to how they wish to be treated Think before you speak – pronouns count DO USE - he, she, we, DO NOT USE they, them

Negative Terminology Deaf and Dumb/Mute Gimp or cripple Schizophrenic Differently abled Physically challenged Spastic or spaz Mentally Retarded, Retard, Mongoloid Confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair bound Handicapped Incapacitated Manic

…and the list continues Sufferer or victim Psycho Sperg Stricken with Unfortunate Deformed or disfigured Abnormal Condition Burden Maimed

Think Positive Individual – that is all you need to say – but if you must… Individual (Person) with a disability Uses a wheelchair Deaf or Hard of Hearing Blind or Low Vision Mobility disability Epilepsy Learning disability Intellectual disability or developmental disability Psychiatric history Emotional disorder Individual (Person) who has…

Oblivious – One Would Hope So The obvious: Deaf or Hard of Hearing – talk to the person not the interpreter Blind or low vision - state information such as – there are 3 people in the room – or the chair is behind you to your left Wheelchair – hands off – unless you are asked to push, pull or direct –A clear pathway around desks, hallways, rooms etc

Toy or Device – You Decide –Speech recognition –Auxiliary medical equipment –Specialized keyboards or mouse –Screen enlargers – Zoom Text –Hand held scanners – used by individuals with low vision –Assistive listening devices – audio pens, word prediction software –Ergonomic chairs/desks – please do not use, adjust, sit in, borrow, alter Although most of the above look or feel cool – they are NOT toys – and very expensive to replace or repair

It is okay to say…. See you tomorrow – to a person who is blind Did you hear the latest… – to a person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing Do you want to go for a walk – to a person who uses a wheelchair, cane or crutch Do you want to learn about….-to a person who has a cognitive disability

It is not alright to say…. Can you drive – to someone who is Deaf, uses a wheelchair, amputee, cognitive disability etc. I cannot believe that….such as: –They go to the movies –They can go to jail –They work –They can have children –Then can or cannot…. –Remember “he or she” not they – when wishing to use a singular pronoun

Concepts To Keep In Mind Speak to the person not the interpreter When in doubt – ask for clarification if you do not understand the persons speech Do not use refer to the “red” area on a spreadsheet (blindness or color blindness) Do not move the cane/crutch Do not talk at the person, talk to the person Ask the person the question – not their aide/parent Interview the candidate – not the candidate’s disability Ask the candidate/employee what is the most reasonable – reasonable accommodation

Last Thoughts Never have last thoughts when it comes to etiquette – at least that is what your mother told you growing up…. Now is the time for all good men and women to ask questions -

Contact Information Paula B Golladay Internal Revenue Service Schedule A Program Manager Phone: