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Don’t ask invasive questions - Avoid asking personal questions regarding someone’s disability or health, it can be uncomfortable and intrusive.

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Never question someone’s disability -

Disabilities are not always visible and it is disrespectful to question their legitimacy.

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Assume that they can -

Operate under the assumption that a person with a disability can do things independently and that if they need help, they will ask for it.

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Don’t assume people with disabilities want help - You can kindly offer assistance to someone if needed but don’t assume it’s wanted. Ensure you wait until you have their consent before helping in any way.

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Don’t touch assistive devices - Everything from wheelchairs, canes, and other devices are extensions of a person and shouldn’t be touched without permission.

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Communicate respectfully -

Be patient, avoid interrupting, and actively listen, especially with those who may need extra time to respond.

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Don’t pet or distract service animals - Service animals are working, so you should always avoid petting, feeding, or distracting them.

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Mind your language -

Avoid terms such as “lame” or “crazy”  that have negative connotations or are ableist.

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Respect individual preferences -

It is important to ask and then use language that the person prefers, like “person with a disability” or “disabled person.”

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Use person-first language - Typically it’s best to emphasize the person over their disability by saying “person with a disability.”

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Avoid outdated terms -

Refrain from using words like “handicapped” or “crippled” that can be extremely offensive.

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Apologize when you make a mistake -

If you make an etiquette error immediately apologize and try to learn from it.

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Speak directly -

Always address people with disabilities directly and not through others, including companions.

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Be patient with speech or language barriers -

It is very important to give time to those who might need longer to express themselves.

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Respect personal space -

Allow people to maintain control over their personal space, including mobility aids.

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Maintain eye contact -

Always show respect, attentiveness, and care by maintaining eye contact.

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Don’t make assumptions about abilities - Everyone and their abilities are unique so don’t make assumptions about their possible limitations.

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Use clear language - Clear language can aid in understanding, especially for individuals with cognitive disabilities.

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Be mindful of physical contact -

Never touch someone without asking first as some individuals may be sensitive to touch.

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Avoid patronizing actions -

Treat adults as adults and never speak to them in a simplified or condescending tone due to your perception of a disability.

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Provide accessible information - When possible, it’s extremely helpful to offer written materials in accessible formats.

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Be conscious of environmental barriers -

Recognize and minimize physical barriers that could impede accessibility.

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Educate yourself on disability etiquette -

Take the initiative and invest the time to learn about disability etiquette and avoid relying on individuals with disabilities to explain.

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Encourage inclusivity -

Be the change you want to see and always foster inclusive environments in social and professional settings.

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Be open to feedback - Being open to feedback means you welcome guidance on improving interactions and accessibility.

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Advocate for accessibility - Support policies and practices that increase accessibility in public and online spaces.

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Adapt group activities for accessibility -

In social or work environments, ensure group activities are accessible and consider everyone’s needs. Examples might include selecting venues that are wheelchair-accessible or incorporating captioning for videos.

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Practice patience with digital communication -

When communicating online or via text, remember that some individuals may use assistive technology that requires more time to process information or respond.

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Respect fatigue and energy limits -

Some individuals with disabilities may have fluctuating energy levels or pain that affects participation. Understand if someone needs breaks, opts out, or modifies their involvement in an activity.

Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (Disability:IN)

See also: The summer destinations with the best accessibility facilities 

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