An Introduction to Disability Etiquette Presented by: The National Business & Disability Council at The Viscardi Center

Why is Disability Etiquette important in the workplace? We all want to do “the right thing” Fear of doing something wrong may prevent us from fully engaging with people with disabilities Without awareness, you may feel: Apprehension Embarrassment Discomfort Ignoring people with disabilities Alienating important people from their life, such as: Colleagues Clients Customers A family member This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Deaf or Hard of Hearing Etiquette Tips Use hand signal to gain attention Face person directly Normal tone of voice Do not obstruct your face (avoid chewing gum) If in a meeting, one person should speak at a time Speak directly to the individual, not the interpreter This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Productivity Tools / Accommodations: Amplification devices TDD / TTY Sign Language Interpreters Written announcements Captioning Lip readers Visual cues Email Captions are either open or closed. Open captions always are in view and cannot be turned off, whereas closed captions can be turned on and off by the viewer. This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Mobility Disability Etiquette Tips Do not lean Do not rest on Do not touch Do not push Pull up a chair Never grab a person’s cane or crutches Always ask before offering your assistance While many areas are in compliance physically by having accessible entrances, automatic doors, accessible restrooms, and access to ramped parking areas, there are other, more personal actions that can be taken when interacting with someone with a mobility impairment who uses assistive devices such as crutches, a walker, a wheelchair, or a scooter. This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Productivity Tools / Accommodations: Provide parking close to the work site Provide a workstation closer to the restroom Offer items within reach Discuss alternate accessible routes Allow the use of a service animal Allow extra time Replace existing hardware, equipment Structural changes Install ramps Widen doorways This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Suggestions to assure participation at events: Accessible entrance Easy access or directional signage Working elevators Accessible restrooms Food and beverages offered at appropriate height and reach ranges This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

TIP: Watch the person’s body language: Shaking Hands When is it appropriate to shake hands with a person who uses prosthesis or has a hand deformity? Answer: ALWAYS!! TIP: Watch the person’s body language: If a person has limited hand use or uses an artificial limb, he/she can usually shake hands. It is appropriate to extend your hand. Shaking hands with the left hand is also acceptable If the person uses a hook/claw, it is appropriate to extend your hand If the person has small hands extending from the shoulder, it is appropriate to reach for his/her hand If the person has no arms, a nod is appropriate. This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Blind or Visually Impaired Etiquette Tips When entering a room, say so! Address by name / introduce yourself Speak directly to the person Use a normal tone of voice Never leave a person who is blind in an open area Verbally offer your assistance / When entering a room, say so! Also, advise someone who is blind that someone else has entered the room “Hi Jack!” Jack, Alice just joined our group Identify and introduce yourself and anyone who may be with you “Hi Jack, I am not sure we’ve met before, I’m Paul from IT. To your left is Adam Wells and his colleague Peter Stamford” This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Blind or Visually Impaired Etiquette Tips (cont…) Offer your arm / elbow Offer a description Beware of obstacles Give specific directions Place their hand/arm on back of their chair if directing to seat Guide Animals: Do not pet or distract a working guide dog Place yourself next to the person It’s ok to use phrases such as, “See you later” or “Look at that” – these are common sayings that all people use, even those who are blind or visually impaired. This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Productivity Tools / Accommodations: “Talking” computers, calculators Labeling in Braille Air radio announcements Respond to questions orally Avoid clutter in passageways Optical Aids (Magnifiers) This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Speech Disability Etiquette Tips Patience Do not finish the person’s sentences Do not pretend to Acknowledge with a simple nod Full attention “Yes” or “No” responses Encourage self-expression Listen / concentrate Do not interrupt or rush their words Do not assist unless you are asked This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Avoid awkward situations Encourage one-on-one communication Tips when Interacting / Working with a Person who has a Speech Disability Avoid awkward situations Encourage one-on-one communication Ask to repeat or write it down Relocate to quieter area This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Tips for Interacting / Working with a Person who has a Learning Disability Ask the person what works best for them RA’s may include: For dyslexia or other reading difficulties: Provide verbal explanations and allow extra time for reading For auditory processing disorders Demonstrate Write it down Provide a quiet environment with little or no distraction NOTE: Remember to FOLLOW UP! This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Seizure Disorders Seek medical attention While waiting................... Be sure the person’s head is protected Wait for seizure to end Privacy Beepers and strobe lights can trigger seizures This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Average Cost for Employers to Accommodate Persons with Disabilities Productivity Tools 31% No Cost 19% $1 - $50 19% $51 - $500 19% $501 - $1000 11% $1001 - $5000 1% more than $5000

People First Language People with disabilities..... NOT........... “The disabled” Acknowledge people as being a “Person” first, NOT by there disability Examples: My son has autism She has a cognitive disorder He has a learning disability She is of short stature This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Words and Phrases Not to Use Crippled Handicapped Victim The Deaf The Blind Wheelchair bound Confined to a wheelchair Suggested verbiage: Hidden disabilities - “non-obvious” disabilities Cognitive disabilities - “intellectual” disabilities Reasonable accommodations - productivity tools, making adjustments, necessary modifications This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

National Business & Disability Council Laura M. Francis National Business & Disability Council at The Viscardi Center 516.465.1519 / 212.785.7300, ext. 11 lfrancis@abilitiesonline.org This presentation is intended solely for the information and use of The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is not intended to be and should not be circulated to anyone other than The Federal Reserve Bank of New York