Disability Etiquette

Disability etiquette is a set of guidelines dealing specifically with how to approach a person with a disability — how to communicate and interact with them respectfully and courteously. A physical education class or a sports field is a very social, physical and fast-moving place, full of instructions, contact, equipment and quick decisions, which makes etiquette especially important here: a child who is spoken to respectfully and included naturally will feel safe, valued and willing to take part, while a child who is talked over, pitied or handled without permission will withdraw.

The textbook organises disability etiquette under four headings.

Positive and energetic attitude

Approach a person with special needs with positive energy and a warm, friendly attitude. Do not show sympathy for them, or — in some cases — fear of them. The aim is to meet the person as an equal, not as an object of pity.

Communication

Communication should be two-way. Speak to the person directly, not to the companion accompanying them, and build a rapport with them. If necessary, use a communication aid such as a communication book or device. Keep your tone low, communicate slowly and clearly, and give the person time to respond.

When writing or talking to or about a person with a disability, use "people-first" language — refer to them as a person with a disability, not as "the disabled" or "the handicapped", and do not define a person by their condition:

• Do not say "She is an epileptic." Instead say, "She has epilepsy."
• Do not say "wheelchair-bound" or "confined to a wheelchair" (most wheelchair users find their wheelchair liberating, not confining). Do say, "She uses a wheelchair."
• Avoid negative, demeaning, outdated terms such as "cripple," "deaf and dumb" or "retarded."
• Be aware that many people with disabilities do not wish to be referred to euphemistically either, so avoid terms such as "physically challenged" or "differently abled" and avoid saying someone is "suffering from" a condition.

Social etiquette

Make the surroundings disabled-friendly and comfortable. Do not make assumptions about what a person can or cannot do — the impact of a disability varies widely from person to person, so help only if it appears to be needed. If the setting is accessible, people with disabilities can usually get around fine, and adults with disabilities want to be treated as independent people. A person will often tell you when they need help; and if they do want help, ask how before you act. Acknowledge and respect their ability to make their own decisions, never bully them physically or verbally, and never play with their equipment. Only ask questions about someone's disability if you know the person well, and work to build a culture of inclusion in your surroundings.

Physical etiquette …