Jackson Heights, NY – More than 56 million Americans have a disability, according to the American Association of People with Disabilities. Acknowledging October as Disability Awareness Month, United Spinal Association is offering an informative pamphlet entitled Disability Etiquette. The guide was developed to help people interact effectively and respectfully with the disability community. Copies of Disability Etiquette can be obtained by calling 800-444-0120. The pamphlet may also be downloaded at www.unitedspinal.org. Disability Etiquette is also available in Spanish.

People with disabilities are no different than anyone else––they have families, jobs, hobbies, likes and dislikes, problems and joys. And while disability is an integral part of who they are, it does not define them. People with disabilities don’t want to be seen as heroes or victims––they want to be treated as individuals. Practicing disability etiquette is an easy way to make people with disabilities feel welcome.

Disability Etiquette addresses a variety of situations that people with disabilities encounter and suggests the proper etiquette for each. It is filled with useful reminders such as asking before attempting to help a person with a disability and always speaking directly to the person, not to his or her companion, aide, or sign language interpreter. These simple and clearly explained tips will help anyone understand what is appropriate and what is not when interacting with a person who has a disability.

United Spinal’s mission is to provide expertise, create access to resources and strengthen hope; thereby enabling people with SCI/D to fulfill their potential as active members of their communities. Here are some helpful tips from Disability Etiquette about interacting with all people with disabilities:

United Spinal Association’s Disability Etiquette Tips:

• Avoid outdated terms like “handicapped” or “crippled.” Use instead, “person with a disability,” or, for specific disabilities, say “person with multiple sclerosis.”
• Say “wheelchair user,” rather than “confined or bound to a wheelchair.”
• Don’t make decisions for people with disabilities about what they can or can’t do. Instead, ask if you can assist and listen to their perspective.
• Don’t push or touch a person’s wheelchair. Remember: The chair is part of their personal space.
• Don’t pet or touch a person’s guide or service dog. The dog is working and needs to concentrate.

Membership to the organization is free and open to all Americans with a spinal cord injury or disorder.