Being Comfortable with Persons with Disabilities
Jackson Heights, NY–Is it okay to grab a chair to sit at the same eye level when conversing with a person who uses a wheelchair? Is it acceptable to pet the guide dog of an individual who is blind? Is it appropriate in all cases to exchange hand-written notes in order to communicate with a person who is Deaf?
Answers to these and many other questions about successful interaction with individuals with a variety of physical and mental conditions can be found in the United Spinal Association pamphlet Disability Etiquette. This useful publication is offered as part of United Spinal’s celebration during October of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Sensitivity toward customers with disabilities makes good business sense, and it makes employees with disabilities feel more welcome and be more productive in the workplace.
Other disabling conditions discussed in Disability Etiquette include people with speech impairments, of short stature, with cerebral palsy; Tourette Syndrome; people who look different; hidden disabilities; epilepsy; respiratory disabilities; HIV and AIDS; psychiatric disabilities; and, cognitive disabilities including mental retardation, learning disabilities, and traumatic or acquired brain injury. This pamphlet also contains facts about service animals, emergency evacuation procedures, conflict management, and signage.
Disability Etiquette has been in print since 1997, and it was significantly revised in 2002. More than 400,000 copies of it have been distributed. The Spanish-language version, Reglas de Etiqueta frente a una Persona con Discapacidad, is also available.
The easiest way to obtain a copy of Disability Etiquette or Reglas de Etiqueta frente a una Persona con Discapacidad is to download it free at www.unitedspinal.org. An entity/individual may order one print copy free of charge by calling United Spinal at 1-800-444-0120. Additional print copies are $1.25 each, plus shipping and handling, and payment by check or credit card for multiple copies must be made in advance by calling our 800 number or placing an order online.