The Arc of Cass County

Ten Quick Tips on Disability Etiquette

 

1.   Be yourself!

Remember, the person with a disability is often sensitive to you comfort in the situation.

 

2.   Use common sense!

People with disabilities want to be treated the same as anyone else.

 

3.   Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to know and to do everything “right”

Be patient with yourself in learning what the specific needs of the person are.  Don’t be embarrassed if you do or say the wrong thing.

 

4.   Be considerate and patient!

Anticipate what the person’s needs might be and offer assistance when possible.  Be patient if the person requires more time to communicate, to walk or to accomplish various tasks.

 

5.   Don’t be afraid to offer assistance!

Ask first if the individual looks like they could use assistance.  Don’t automatically give help unless the person clearly needs or has asked for it.

 

6.   Communicate with the person!

Refrain from asking questions which would otherwise be inappropriate to ask of any other person.

 

7.   Respect the person’s privacy!

Refrain from asking questions which would otherwise be inappropriate to ask of any other person.

 

8.   Be sensitive to their needs!

Individuals with disabilities are more independent than what most people think.  It is often more difficult to communicate with persons who are not sensitive to their needs that it is to maneuver through accessibility barriers.

 

9.   Don’t be patronizing!

Show the person the same respect that you expect to receive from others.

 

10. Individuals with disabilities have dreams, hopes and desires like you!

By working together, we can make them come true.