Working With The Disabled
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Other.
Working With People with Disabilities
Enhance Your Relationships with Colleagues and Clients with Disabilities
Since the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990, many individuals with disabilities have gained improved access to public spaces and workplaces. While these colleagues may face challenges related to sight, hearing, or mobility, those working alongside them often seek guidance on how to interact with sensitivity and respect.
Key Considerations
Person-First Language: Always prioritize the person over the disability. Instead of labeling someone as an "epileptic," use "person with epilepsy" or "John, who has epilepsy."
Avoid Negative Language: Describing wheelchair users as "bound" or "confined" is incorrect. Likewise, refer to "spastic muscles" without calling someone "spastic."
Use Plain Language: Rather than saying "crippled with arthritis" or "suffering from MS," opt for "John has epilepsy" or "Mary has MS."
Preferred Terminology:
- Use "congenital disability" instead of "birth defect."
- Say "non-disabled" instead of "normal," "healthy," or "able-bodied."
- Prefer "condition" over "disease" or "defect."
- Use "visually impaired" unless someone is completely sightless.
- Refer to individuals as "deaf" or "hard of hearing" instead of "hearing impaired."
- Choose "little person" or "dwarf" over "midget."
Inoffensive Language: Avoid words like "victim," "cripple," "unfortunate," "dumb," "deaf mute," "deformed," and "pitiful."
Interacting Thoughtfully
Offer Help Appropriately: Always ask if someone needs assistance before stepping in and request specific instructions if help is needed.
Direct Communication: When talking to a person with a disability, maintain eye contact, even if they have an interpreter or companion.
Understand Speech Impairments: Do not assume a speech impairment indicates a hearing problem or intellectual limitations. Let individuals complete their sentences without interruption and ask questions that allow for simple responses unless they choose to elaborate.
Communication with Hearing Impairments: Speak calmly and distinctly, using gestures to aid communication. Stand in front of them for clarity.
Physical Assistance
Guiding the Visually Impaired: Let the person set the walking pace and do not grab their arm. It's more comfortable for them to hold onto you instead.
Wheelchair Etiquette: Never push someone's wheelchair without asking permission first, and avoid leaning on the wheelchair during conversation.
Comfort in Conversations: If a discussion will be lengthy, sit at eye level with someone in a wheelchair for mutual comfort.
Final Thoughts
Remember, people with disabilities are like everyone else, aside from certain physical conditions. Treat them as the capable, competent colleagues they are.
By following these guidelines, you can foster positive and respectful interactions with all your colleagues.
© 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Working With The Disabled.
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