Lessons in disability etiquette

Make everyone feel welcome

Have you ever met someone who has a disability and didn’t know how to treat that person?

That happened to me once. A new guy named Mark came to my school That happened to me once. A new guy named Mark came to my school. He couldn’t walk or talk. How can you be a friend to someone who doesn’t walk or talk? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

I learned a lot from Mark and I am going to share it with you I learned a lot from Mark and I am going to share it with you! This way, when you meet someone who is different than you, you will know just what to do!

1. When you meet a person with a disability… Don’t point Don’t laugh Don’t ignore Don’t stare Just look at the person and SMILE, just like you would for anyone else! 1. When you meet a person with a disability…

2. Even if the person has trouble hearing, don’t SHOUT. Face the person and use your normal speaking voice. Don’t mumble! 2. Even if the person has trouble hearing, don’t SHOUT. Don’t talk to the person like he or she is younger or not as smart as you. That would be insulting.

Does Mark like to play? Don’t ask me. Ask Mark. 3. If the person is with a personal care assistant or another companion, speak to the person, not the companion. Hello! I am sitting right here. Ask me!

4. If you are talking with a person who is in a wheelchair, kneel or sit so you are at eye level.

5. Some people have service dogs to help them. Service dogs are working. Don’t distract them. Only pet them after you have asked for permission. 5. Some people have service dogs to help them.

These devices look very cool, but they are often fragile and expensive. They are not toys. Don’t touch or play with them without permission. 6. Some people with disabilities use computers and other equipment called “assistive technology.”

7. Some people have a speech disability 7. Some people have a speech disability. Their speech may be slow and hard to understand. They may use pictures, a computer or a communication device to talk. Be patient. Let them know their message is worth waiting for. If you don’t understand the message, it is okay to ask them to say it again.

8. Always ask before helping. Just like you, people with disabilities want to be as independent as possible. Don’t help without talking to the person first. Ask, “May I help you with that?”

9. People with disabilities are interested in a lot of the same things you are. Talk about things you have in common, such as: Jokes Favorite foods, like pizza Hobbies, like painting Pets, like dogs and cats Don’t talk about their disabilities unless they bring it up!

10. Focus on ABILITIES

The most important lesson of all: Treat people who have disabilities the same way that YOU want to be treated!