protester in a wheelchair holding a sign saying Cut the Curbs

Independent Living

Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities

Treat disabled people the way you want to be treated.
Listen; do not make assumptions about what a person can or cannot do.
When speaking with a disabled person, speak directly to them, not through his or her companion. This applies whether the person has a physical disability, mental disability or is blind or deaf and uses an interpreter.
Extend common courtesies to disabled people, as you would to anyone else. Shake hands and/or give them your business card. If the person cannot shake your hand or grasp your card, they will tell you. However, do not be ashamed of your attempt.
If the individual has a speech impairment and you are having trouble understanding what he or she is saying, ask the person to repeat rather than pretend you understand. The former is respectful and leads to accurate communication, the later is belittling and leads to embarrassment.
Offer assistance to a disabled person if you choose to, but wait until your offer is accepted before you help, and let them instruct you on how to help them.