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Illness & disability
For friends and family
If you know someone with an illness or disability, do you find yourself a little confused, worried, or even scared? Need help figuring out how to act? You might ask yourself how you would want to be treated — or just come straight out and ask them what they’d like.
Thinking about the other person’s needs can help. For example, a person who is blind can only hear your voice, so don’t use your hands to express yourself. A person in a wheelchair may feel uncomfortable looking up at you, so pull up a chair or squat down. If you meet someone new who has an illness or disability, greet them just like any new person you meet. And if you have a friend who goes to the hospital, call or visit to show how much you care.
Whether you have a family member or friend or are meeting someone new with an illness or disability, this section of girlshealth.gov is for you.
Content last updated February 16, 2011