Terminology
Disability Etiquette:
Disability Etiquette:
Terminology evolves...what is acceptable today may change tomorrow. Please ensure that respectful terms are used.
Terminology evolves...what is acceptable today may change tomorrow. Please ensure that respectful terms are used.
Many PwD believe that terms like DIFFERENTLY-ABLED and SPECIALLY-ABLED somehow shrink the identity rather than simply acknowledge the disability and facilitate better access to human rights.
Many PwD believe that terms like DIFFERENTLY-ABLED and SPECIALLY-ABLED somehow shrink the identity rather than simply acknowledge the disability and facilitate better access to human rights.
We all want to be correct, polite and inoffensive. Here are a few tips that may help.
We all want to be correct, polite and inoffensive. Here are a few tips that may help.
Some terms that are mostly acceptable:
Some terms that are mostly acceptable:
> It is PERSON with a disability/disabilities not DISABLED PERSON. Put the person before the adjective.
> It is PERSON with a disability/disabilities not DISABLED PERSON. Put the person before the adjective.
> Please do not say ‘Deaf and Dumb’. Most people who are mute are also deaf. Deafness causes the speech impairment...so ‘DEAF' or 'HEARING IMPAIRED’ is OK. Infact, 'deaf' is a preferred term for many with hearing impairments.
> Please do not say ‘Deaf and Dumb’. Most people who are mute are also deaf. Deafness causes the speech impairment...so ‘DEAF' or 'HEARING IMPAIRED’ is OK. Infact, 'deaf' is a preferred term for many with hearing impairments.
> You can say ‘Blind – partially or fully blind or Visually Challenged’.
> You can say ‘Blind – partially or fully blind or Visually Challenged’.
> The term is ‘Wheelchair User’…not ‘Wheelchair Bound’. The wheelchair actually offers the user freedom of movement.
> The term is ‘Wheelchair User’…not ‘Wheelchair Bound’. The wheelchair actually offers the user freedom of movement.
> There are people WITH disabilities and people WITHOUT disabilities. There are no NORMAL and ABNORMAL people.
> There are people WITH disabilities and people WITHOUT disabilities. There are no NORMAL and ABNORMAL people.
> Remember, PwD often don't suffer so much from their disability as much as the apathy and ignorance of society.
> Remember, PwD often don't suffer so much from their disability as much as the apathy and ignorance of society.
People with disabilities are entitled to the same courtesies you would extend to anyone, including personal privacy. If you find it inappropriate to ask people about their sex lives, or their complexions, or their incomes, extend the courtesy to people with disabilities.
People with disabilities are entitled to the same courtesies you would extend to anyone, including personal privacy. If you find it inappropriate to ask people about their sex lives, or their complexions, or their incomes, extend the courtesy to people with disabilities.
If you don't make a habit of leaning or hanging on people, don't lean or hang on someone's wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension of personal space.
If you don't make a habit of leaning or hanging on people, don't lean or hang on someone's wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension of personal space.
When you offer to assist someone with a vision impairment, allow the person to take your arm. This will help you to guide, rather than propel or lead, the person.
When you offer to assist someone with a vision impairment, allow the person to take your arm. This will help you to guide, rather than propel or lead, the person.
Treat adults as adults. Call a person by his or her first name only when you extend this familiarity to everyone present. Don't patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head. Reserve this sign of affection for children.
Treat adults as adults. Call a person by his or her first name only when you extend this familiarity to everyone present. Don't patronize people who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head. Reserve this sign of affection for children.
In conversation...
In conversation...
When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion who may be along.
When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to him or her, rather than through a companion who may be along.
Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "I've got to run", that seem to relate to the person's disability.
Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "I've got to run", that seem to relate to the person's disability.
To get the attention of a person who has a hearing disability, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips. Not everyone with hearing impairments can lip-read. Those who do will rely on facial expressions and other body language to help understand. Show consideration by facing a light source and keeping your hands and food away from your mouth when speaking. Keep mustaches well-trimmed. Shouting won't help, but written notes will.
To get the attention of a person who has a hearing disability, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips. Not everyone with hearing impairments can lip-read. Those who do will rely on facial expressions and other body language to help understand. Show consideration by facing a light source and keeping your hands and food away from your mouth when speaking. Keep mustaches well-trimmed. Shouting won't help, but written notes will.
When talking with a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at the wheelchair user's eye level to spare both of you a stiff neck.
When talking with a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, place yourself at the wheelchair user's eye level to spare both of you a stiff neck.
When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. Say, for example, "On my right is Andy Clark". When conversing in a group, remember to say the name of the person to whom you are speaking to give vocal cue. Speak in a normal tone of voice, indicate when you move from one place to another, and let it be known when the conversation is at an end.
When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others who may be with you. Say, for example, "On my right is Andy Clark". When conversing in a group, remember to say the name of the person to whom you are speaking to give vocal cue. Speak in a normal tone of voice, indicate when you move from one place to another, and let it be known when the conversation is at an end.
Give whole, unhurried attention when you're talking to a person who has difficulty speaking. Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting, and be patient rather than speak for the person. When necessary, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Repeat what you understand. The person's reaction will guide you to understanding.
Give whole, unhurried attention when you're talking to a person who has difficulty speaking. Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting, and be patient rather than speak for the person. When necessary, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Repeat what you understand. The person's reaction will guide you to understanding.
Common courtesies...
Common courtesies...
If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
If you would like to help someone with a disability, ask if he or she needs it before you act, and listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, consider distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles such as stairs, curbs and steep hills.
When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, consider distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles such as stairs, curbs and steep hills.
When directing a person with a visual impairment, use specifics such as "left a hundred feet" or "right two yards".
When directing a person with a visual impairment, use specifics such as "left a hundred feet" or "right two yards".
Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
When planning events involving persons with disabilities, consider their needs ahead of time. If an insurmountable barrier exists, let them know about it prior to the event
When planning events involving persons with disabilities, consider their needs ahead of time. If an insurmountable barrier exists, let them know about it prior to the event
DISCLAIMER: Kindly do not simply go by what we have said here, use google search to find out what many people from within and outside disability communities have to say. Often we think we are being polite, but we are exhibiting our own reservations towards disabilities instead. There are many disagreements on terminolgy. We consider it best to use what is recommended by the UN since they consult with the experts first.
DISCLAIMER: Kindly do not simply go by what we have said here, use google search to find out what many people from within and outside disability communities have to say. Often we think we are being polite, but we are exhibiting our own reservations towards disabilities instead. There are many disagreements on terminolgy. We consider it best to use what is recommended by the UN since they consult with the experts first.