"Kris" - A short film 

​

Have you ever wondered what you should or should not do when meeting, introducing, writing about, assisting, or enjoying the company of a person who has a disability? 

 

In a globalised world, while addressing people with disabilities, it is important to use terms which are more likely to be universally acceptable.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed here are based on our study of disability etiquettes across the world based on what the relevant groups with specific disabilities prefer. We do not claim this to be the last word on the subject. 

 

Here is a set of Do’s and Don’ts:

 

I - General Rules:

​

• Remember the Golden rule: Treat others as you would like them to treat you. 

• Don’t assume that they see their disability as a tragedy. Many People With Disabilities work through tough emotions to be happy and content with their lives. They don’t look for sympathy.

• Remember that a “disability is not their identity” – although it is a part of their being. They are known by “what they do”. Stephen Hawkins was a great physicist. Jaipal Reddy was an Indian parliamentarian, Stevie Wonder is a great singer.

• Focus on commonalities before thinking about differences. Human beings connect based on common interests, skills, likes and dislikes. 

 

 

II - How should one write or talk about/ address People with Disabilities?

 

Some people use the terms “Specially Abled”, “Special” OR “Differently Abled” in order to sound polite. 

But isn’t everyone in this world “Specially Abled” or “Differently Abled”? A singer, a teacher, a doctor, a driver who remembers roads.. Anyone you can think of is “Specially Abled” in his or her own way!

 

Why then must People with disabilities be addressed this way?

 

It is much better to use the term “People with Disabilities” while addressing them. 

It is Non-judgmental as it should be!

 

A simple rule to use is to Place the person BEFORE the disability – except in the case of people who are hard of hearing or have autism spectrum disorder. They prefer the “Condition first” way of addressing.

​

It is also inappropriate to use words such as: Victim, Afflicted by, suffers from, Invalid, Unfortunate, Deformed, Blind as a bat, Retarded and any other words or clichés that are judgmental or stereotyping. 

 

While talking about a mixed group – such as a group of students – people often use the term “Normal” – for example, “Students with Disabilities” and “Normal” Students.

 

It is alright to use the term “Normal” while talking of statistical data. While talking of people, the word “Typical” is more widely accepted.

 

Or You address them simply as “people with disabilities” and “people without disabilities”

 

Don’t generalise and address “Disability” as a “Disease”. Understand the difference between “Disease” and “Condition”.

 

Conditions can be caused by either a disease or an accident! People live with those conditions, not necessarily with the disease. Avoid calling them ‘patients’

​

III - Communicating with People with Disabilities

 

The most important thing:  Speak to them directly, not through a companion, interpreter or a caretaker who may be around. 

 

Never ask, “What happened to you?”

 

It is perfectly acceptable to use the Words that are a part of everyday conversation 

For example: expressions such as “See”, “Look”, “See you later”, “Got to run now” or “Walk away”

​

IV - Dealing with Persons who use Wheelchairs

 

Wheelchair use provides freedom.  Don’t assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy.  It is a means of freedom, which allows the person to move about independently. 

 

A wheelchair, cane, or any other assistive device used to help a person with a disability is considered part of their personal space and should never be leaned on, picked up, or touched.

 

If you are talking to a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, it is better to sit down and talk so that you are at the wheelchair user’s eye level.

 

 

V - Communicating with a person who has Loss of Vision/No Vision:

 

Always identify yourself and others who may be with you – “Hi, I am Sanjay and to my right is Ajit”

 

When conversing in a group, remember to say the name of the person to whom you are speaking to give a vocal cue. 

 

Indicate when you move from one place to another

 

Let the person know when you are leaving the room.

 

Avoid - Playing ‘guess who’ games with people who are visually impaired. 

 

 

VI - Communicating with person who has hearing loss:

 

To get the attention, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand. 

 

Speak clearly, slowly, and in a normal tone while looking directly at the person. It will help you establish if the person can read your lips. 

 

Those who can read your lips will rely on your facial expressions and other body language to help in understanding. Keep your hands and food away from your mouth when speaking.

​

If the person does not understand what you are saying, try switching the 

words around and rephrasing your statement. 

​

If difficulty persists, you might ask if using a pen and paper would help. 

​

VII - Helping Persons with Disabilities: 

​

• NEVER just help without asking.

 

• Offer assistance only if it appears to be needed

 

• If they need help, they will accept it.  Do not take offense it If they do not

 

• If you are uncertain about how to assist, ask the one who needs assistance.

 

• Listen to any instructions the person may want to give to best help you both.

​

When giving directions to a person in a wheelchair, or someone who uses a cane or crutches, please consider distance, weather conditions, and physical obstacles such as stairs, curbs, and steep hills.

Use specifics such as “go straight for about hundred feet and turn right” 

 

When offering your assistance, do not grab a person’s cane or arm; this can be very disorienting for the person.  If you are walking with a person who is blind, offer your arm for them to hold.  

 

The person may feel most comfortable walking a half step behind.  Walk at your normal pace. 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​