Transcript REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION ORIENTATION WORKSHOP …

DISABILITY ETIQUETTE
Ministry for Women, Youth, Children
and Persons with Disability:
INTRODUCTION
 Often people wonder how they should react
when they meet a person who has a
disability.
 People with disabilities are active members
of society and have identities beyond their
disability.
 They should be included in all aspects of
daily life and have common courtesies
extended to them when interacting with
them.
Disability Etiquette
A limited understanding of a person's situation may
lead to an embarrassing situation that may have
been avoided. Here are some things for you to keep
in mind:.
 It is appropriate to shake hands with a person
who has a disability, even if they have limited
use of their hands or wear an artificial limb.
 Speak directly to the person with disability, not
to someone nearby as if the person with
disability does not exist.
 There's no need to shout or speak in a
patronising manner.
Disability Etiquette
 If you are unsure about something, ask the
person. A person with disability will best be able
to answer any questions you may have about
special needs or assistive techniques.
 They, more than anyone, have a vested interest
in seeing that things go as smoothly as possible.
 Ask a person with disability if he or she would
like assistance before you offer help. It may not
be needed. If your assistance is needed, then
listen or ask for instructions.
Disability Etiquette
 If a conversation lasts more than a few minutes,
consider sitting down or kneeling to get yourself on
the same level as the wheelchair user.
 Don't use, "I have a friend/family with some kind of
disability..." as a conversations starter. Think about
how many times a person with disability hears this
every day.
 A wheelchair user will see the wheelchair as being a
part of their own personal body space, so don't lean
on it, rock it, etc. There is a sense of security there
because it allows a person to be mobile and
independent.
Disability Etiquette
 Don't assume that using a wheelchair or white cane is
in itself a tragedy. It's a means of freedom that allows
the user to move about.
 It is OK to use expressions like "running along" when
speaking to the wheelchair user or look when
speaking to a blind person. It is likely that they will
use similar expressions.
 Do not discourage children from asking questions
about the disability. Open communication helps
overcome fearful or negative attitudes.
 When a wheelchair user transfers out of the
wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or bed, do not move
the wheelchair out of reaching distance. In a case of
somebody who is blind inform him when things have
been moved from the original place.
Conclusion




Every individual is a minute away from disability.
You could be involved in an accident that leaves you
with a physical disability of any form.
You could be traumatized to an extent that you have
a mental breakdown that leads you to have a mental
disability.
Should any of these things happen to you, how would
you like to be incorporated back into the community?
How would you like to be treated by people around
you?