A person with a disability or injury should be treated in the same way and with the same respect as someone without a disability. The resources below provide helpful guidelines on "disability etiquette", such as the importance of speaking directly to the person, and not assuming they need help without asking first.
An informational tool on disability and tips on social etiquette and positive interactions with people with different kinds of disabilities.
No one should feel awkward when dealing with a person who has a disability. This booklet provides some basic tips for you to follow. Remember that if a person has a disability you should not assume he or she needs help. If in doubt, just ask them.
Fear of the unknown and lack of knowledge about how to act can lead to uneasiness when meeting a person who has a disability. Remember - a person with a disability is a person with feelings. Treat him or her as you would want to be treated.
People with disabilities are entitled to the same courtesies you would extend to anyone, including personal privacy. When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion who may be along.
The workplace should include etiquette strategies that foster inclusion of people with disabilities in employment settings. Appropriate disability etiquette allows all employees to be more comfortable and productive.
Examples of appropriate and inappropriate phrases to describe persons with disabilities.
Many people feel uncomfortable around individuals with disabilities. Much of this discomfort stems from lack of personal contact with people with disabilities and a sense of awkwardness and uncertainty as to how to speak and act in their presence.
Publication from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center suggests ways to promote effective communication between people with and without specific disabilities.
Information from the National Institute on Aging offers specific techniques that can help health care providers to talk with patients and caregivers about a diagnosis.
Provides general suggestions for communicating with people with disabilities, as well as tips for appropriate etiquette when interacting with those with combat-related conditions such as TBI and PTSD.
