Disability Etiquette

People with disabilities are involved in many areas of their communities. Laws have been created that allow people with disabilities the right to access or get around all the same places you or I can access. You may see or meet someone with a disability at the grocery store, in your school, or playing sports.

The golden rule for interacting with someone who has a disability is the same as interacting with anyone else - treat the person with kindness and respect!

If you haven’t had the chance to know someone who has a disability, you may have some questions about how best to approach and talk to someone with a disability. This true/false quiz can help you make the best choices when meeting someone with a disability.

Etiquette Quiz

This true/false quiz can help you make the best choices when meeting someone with a disability.

Read each question. Then click on True or False for your answer.

Question:
When I meet someone with a disability, I should never ask what happened.

There are times when it is okay to politely ask questions. For instance, when you want to include that person in a game or activity and want to know the best way to do that. But if the person doesn't want to share the information, then respect the choice and move on to talk about something else. Remember; treat adults like adults, regardless of disability. Never talk down to someone who has a disability.

Question:
I should not touch someone’s special equipment like a wheelchair or an animal guide like a seeing-eye dog.

Guide dogs and other specialized animals are there to help their owners and keep them safe. Petting or talking to the animal when they are working will distract the animal and may put the owner at risk.

A wheelchair is like an extension of a person’s body so it is never okay to hang or lean on one. Wheelchairs and other equipment are only okay to touch if the person says its okay with them.

Question:
When a person has a sign language interpreter or an aide with them, I should talk directly to the sign language interpreter or aide. The person with the disability probably won’t understand me.

Many people who have an aide or interpreter are able to communicate with you and may just need some extra help. Always talk directly to the person with the disability even if they are unable to understand you. The interpreter or aide will help if needed. It is not polite to ask the interpreter questions about the person; ask your questions to the person.

Wrong way: How is John doing today? (said to the interpreter)

Right way: Hi John, how are you doing today? (looking at John)

Question:
The correct way to refer to the following people is:
A person who is blind or a person with a disability

A person with a disability is a person first no matter what the disability. The disability is just one of their characteristics. Using this kind of wording when referring to someone with a disability is respectful and acknowledges that you understand this fact.
Some other examples:

RIGHT WAY	WRONG WAY
Person with autism	Autistic
Person who uses a wheelchair	Wheelchair-bound
Person with a physical disability	Cripple
Person with Down Syndrome, or person with developmental disabilities	Retarded

Question:
I should shout loudly when speaking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing so they can hear me better.

This is not a useful way to make yourself understood. It is more helpful to speak in a clear and calm manner, at a regular speed. If the individual can read lips, they’ll need to see you talking in a normal way, slowing down your speech makes you harder to understand.

Question:
I should tell the person who I am before speaking to someone who is blind.

Never assume that someone who is blind can recognize your voice. The person will feel comfortable and part of the conversation if you introduce first and anyone else who is with you.

Question:
There are some things I can do to prevent having an accident that could cause a disability.

Keeping yourself safe, by wearing a helmet when biking or playing some sports, or by wearing a seatbelt when riding in the car, greatly reduces having an injury like a Spinal Cord Injury or a Traumatic Brain Injury.

Question:
People with development disabilities or intellectual disabilities can't learn new information.

People with this kind of disability can and do learn new information. They may need to learn at a slower pace, or with some extra help. Students with intellectual disabilities can often participate in school programs; sometimes a special aide may assist them.

Question:
A woman who uses a wheel chair is waiting by a door. I’m not sure if she needs help getting in the building or if she’s just hanging out.

I should “just” walk by her because I don’t know if she needs or wants my help.

It is always okay to ask if someone with a disability needs your help. Simply say ‘Can I help you with anything’ but be sure to wait for the answer. If the answer is yes, then ask how they would like you to help them. If they say no, respectfully say okay and let them do their own thing!

Question:
If someone has a speech impairment and is difficult to understand, I should guess what the person is trying to say if I think I know.

Instead, it is more respectful and usually more successful to be patient and give the person time to speak. Repeat it back if needed to make sure you understand what they’ve said. It is okay to tell someone that you didn’t understand them and ask them to try again. It is important to remember that someone with a speech impairment doesn’t necessarily have a cognitive disability – talk to them just like you would anyone without a disability!

Question:
People with disabilities have friends and enjoy having fun just like you or I.

Many adaptive sports programs and other programs exist to help people with disabilities get involved with recreational activities. People with disabilities have all kinds of different friends – some with disabilities, and others without! Its great to become friends with someone who has a disability and you shouldn’t be afraid to invite them to join you and your friends in games and activities.