A Few Things to Remember

Your attitude can make a big difference.   

One of the most difficult barriers people with disabilities face is negative attitudes and perceptions by other people.  Sometimes those attitudes and perceptions are deep-rooted prejudices, based in ignorance and fear.  Sometimes they are just unconscious misconceptions that result in impolite or thoughtless acts by otherwise well-meaning people.  In either case, they form an obstacle to acceptance and full participation in society for the person with a disability. 

This guide is not a list of strict rules and regulations.  It is an attempt to foster understanding, clear up misperceptions and help you relate to people with disabilities. 

Disability is often perceived as a yes-or-no proposition.  You either are disabled or you are not.  The truth is disability is a continuum.  At one end are people without any disability and at the other end are people with severe impairments.  Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.  But, we’re all people and we want to be treated with respect. 

With that in mind, and at the risk of being repetitious, here are some general tips on relating to people who may have special needs.   

DON’T ASSUME a person with a disability needs your help.  Ask before doing. 

MAKE EYE CONTACT and talk directly to the person, not through the person’s companion. 

AVOID ACTIONS and words that suggest the person should be treated differently.  It’s OK to invite a person in a wheelchair to go for a walk or to ask a person who is blind if he sees what you mean. 

TREAT PEOPLE with disabilities with the same respect and consideration that you have for everyone else.