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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Productivity Tools / Accommodations:
Amplification devices TDD / TTY Sign Language Interpreters Written announcements Captioning Lip readers Visual cues
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. National Business & Disability Council
Laura M. Francis
National Business & Disability Council
at The Viscardi Center
/ , ext. 11
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