Communication
with Persons
with Disabilities
M
ost people will experience
a disability at some point
in their lives. About
50
million Americans, or 20% of
the population, have a disability.
As people age, disabilities are much
more common. For example, 17%
of the U.S. population ages 21 to 64
has a disability; whereas 50% of the
U.S. population ages 65 and older
has a disability.
A person with a disability is a
person first; he or she is not defined
by a disability. Some people might
avoid communicating with a person
with a disability because they are
afraid of saying or doing the wrong
thing. The best way to interact with a
person with a disability—or anyone
for that matter—is to be respectful
and simply ask when you are unsure
what to do.
Tips to Make Things Easier
It is important to keep in mind that
no two disabilities are the same. Two
people with a similar disability might
have very different abilities, needs
and preferences. However, some
general tips to help you interact with
members with disabilities are listed
below.
●●
When talking with a person
with a disability, look at and speak
directly to that person rather than
to a companion or sign language
interpreter.
●●
Listen attentively when you are
talking with a person who has
difficulty speaking. Be patient and
wait for the person to finish, rather
than correcting or speaking for the
person. Never pretend to understand
if you are having difficulty doing so.
Instead, tell the person that you are
having difficulty and ask them to
repeat.
●●
When talking with or about a
person with a disability, always
emphasize the person first. Avoid
using “handicapped” or “physically
challenged.” Instead, use “person
with a disability.”
●●
Always ask first and wait for a
response before pushing or moving
someone’s
wheelchair.
When
walking with someone, offer your
arm as a guide; do not grab the
person’s arm to steer them.
●●
Avoid negative or disempowering
words and phrases. Instead of saying,
“
She is confined to a wheelchair,”
say, “She uses a wheelchair.”
●●
To get the attention of a person
who is deaf, tap the person on the
shoulder or wave your hand. Look
directly at the person and speak
clearly, slowly and expressively to
determine if the person can read
your lips. Not all people who are
deaf can read lips.
●●
Relax! Don’t be afraid to ask
questions when you are unsure of
what to do.
Sources: Cornell University Employment and Disability
Institute; United Spinal Association; Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
Another Helpful
Resource
To download a free copy
of the informative guide
“
Disability Etiquette”
as well as other helpful
resources, please visit the
Alliance provider website
a
t
www.ccah-alliance.org/
otherresources.html
.
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Tips & resources to help you communicate better with Alliance members
DECEMBER 2012
CULTURAL CROSSROADS