Disability Etiquette – What You Should Know
Respect and inclusion begin with understanding. Here are five tips for interacting with people with disabilities:
Ask Before Helping: Always ask if someone needs assistance instead of assuming.
Speak Directly: Address the person, not their companion or interpreter.
Avoid Assumptions: Every disability is unique. Don’t assume someone’s capabilities.
Respect Personal Space: Mobility aids like wheelchairs or canes are part of a person’s personal space—don’t touch or move them without permission.
Use Person-First Language: (e.g., “person with a disability”) unless someone specifies otherwise.
A little awareness goes a long way in creating a welcoming environment.
