Disability Etiquette

People with disabilities and those who work on their behalf, are increasingly concerned that negative images of disability and incorrect assumptions about disabled people can hamper their progress towards equal opportunities at work.

Employers committed to good practice in the recruitment and career development of and service delivery to disabled people need to be aware that most of the barriers which the latter face are created by the negative attitude and misconceptions held by society. These barriers are reinforced by small details of language and behaviour which may seem insignificant, but which can reaffirm inaccurate assumptions and cause unnecessary offence.

These notes aim to widen understanding of disabled people's views and preferences. They offer practical advice about many aspects of communication, both in daily life and in the workplace with people with physical and learning disabilities.

Language

It is important to gain a general understanding of words and phrases which may give offence to people with disabilities. There are no hard and fast rules -- far better to try to keep in touch with disabled people and respect their preferences which may change over time.

The following list includes words and phrases which should be remembered when talking to or writing about disabled people :

Many disabled people find the word "handicapped" offensive, as it carries connotations of "cap in hand". Instead say "person with a disability" or "disabled person".

Medical "labels" are undesirable and often misleading, as no two people are alike. Medical labels say little about people as individuals and tend to reinforce stereotypes of disabled people as "patients", powerless and wholly dependent on the medical profession.

It is dehumanising to refer to a person in terms of a condition. Therefore, do not talk about a "spastic" or an "epileptic". Instead, say "he/she has cerebral palsy" or refer to "a person with epilepsy".

Words to be avoided:

Do not say: "Victim of... crippled by... suffering from... afflicted by..."

Do say: "Person who has / person who experienced..."

Do not say: "Invalid". This equates disability with illness and can be construed as "not valid".

Remember that a wheelchair represents freedom to its user.

Do not say: "Wheelchair bound" or describe someone as "confined to a wheelchair"

Do say: "Wheelchair user" or "person who uses a wheelchair".

Many people dislike the phrase "mental handicap" which is both stigmatising and imprecise. People with an intellectual disability are voicing their preferences through the growing self-advocacy movement and now they prefer to be described as "people with a learning disability".

Remember not to confuse learning disability with mental illness.

Remember that there are many degrees of deafness and different methods of communicating, such as lip-reading or signing. It is important to be accurate about a person's degree of deafness and method of communication. For example, some people will have no useful hearing, others will have some degree of useful hearing. Many of these people will have the capacity with or without a hearing aid, to communicate through speech, listening or lip-reading.

Words and phrases that should never be used

Words like "spastic" - "cripple" - "retarded" - "defective"

phrases like "blind as a bat" - "deaf and dumb" - "mentally deficient"

are often used in general conversation as terms of derision, abuse or inappropriate jokes. This reinforces damaging and inaccurate images of disability. Such words and phrases should never be used, whether a disabled person is present or not.

Do not say "disabled toilet" - toilets are accessible or not.

Meeting People with Disabilities

People who are deaf:

Do not make assumptions about a person's ability to communicate or the ways in which they do it. Always ask the person to tell you.

Remember that those deaf people who use sign language find this the easiest method of communication.

If an interpreter is present, speak to the person you are meeting, rather than to the interpreter.

When you are speaking directly to a person who is deaf, remember that shouting does not help. You may want to use written notes.

Do not assume that everyone who is deaf can lip-read. Always ask the person when you first meet them. If they do lip-read, remember that this skill is never wholly reliable. It requires intense concentration and is very tiring.

When meeting a person who is lip-reading:

Look directly at them and speak slowly and clearly.

Speak with facial expressions, gestures and body movements which emphasise the words you use.

Face the light and keep hands, cigarettes and food away from your face while speaking.

If necessary, attract the person's attention with a light touch on their upper arm or a wave of your hand.

Wheelchair Users:

When talking for more than a few moments to someone in a wheelchair, try to put yourself at their eye level to avoid stiff necks.

Do remember:

Speak to a person in the wheelchair and not their companion.

Push the wheelchair only with the permission of the user.

Ensure that you give details of suitable toilet facilities.

People with visual impairment:

First identify yourself clearly and introduce anyone else who is present. Try to indicate where they are placed in the room.

When offering a handshake, say something like "Shall we shake hands?"

When help is needed on unfamiliar ground, say "Let me offer you an arm". This will enable you to guide rather than propel or lead the person.

When offering a seat, place the person's hand on the back or arm of the chair.

Do not leave someone talking to an empty space. Say when you wish to end a conversation or to move away.

When talking in a group, remember to say the name of the person to whom you are speaking.

People with speech difficulties:

Give your whole attention to a person with a speech difficulty. Be encouraging and patient. Do not correct or speak for the person. Wait quietly while the person talks and resist the temptation to finish sentences.

Where possible, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the hand.

If you have difficulty understanding, don't pretend. Repeat what you do understand and the person's reactions will guide you.

Remember, at all times treat:

Registered Disabled People with Respect - Dignity - Patience