General Considerations When Communicating With People With Disabilities

Always place the person before the disability. In other words, don't say "disabled person" say "person with a disability" instead.
When you meet a person with a disability, it is a good idea to offer to shake hands. Usually, even people with artificial limbs can shake hands. It is also okay to shake with the left hand.
Treat adults as would treat other adults and children as you would treat other children. Don't make the person feel bad by patting them on the back or the head. Address them by their first name (if that's how you're addressing everyone else).
Don't try too hard. Let the person who has the disability put you at ease if you don't know what to do. Make sure you ask questions if you're not sure what to do.
If you offer to help and the person says, "No thanks," then don't insist. If help is accepted, ask how you can best help and don't take over.
If the person with a disability is with someone else, don't talk through the other person. Talk directly to the person with the disability.

Citations

Online Resources

"Communicating With and About People With Disabilities." U.S. Department of Labor; Office of Disability Employment Policy. 28 January 2005 <http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/comucate.htm>.

"Communicating With People With Disabilities." Access Office Disability Support Services; St. Louis Community College. 28 January 2005 <http://www.stlcc.edu/fp/access/Main/Communicating.html>.

Images

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