Employer Etiquette

Tips For Creating A Positive Environment

For some people, interacting with the disabled tends to provoke anxiety about saying the correct thing, or acting appropriately and respectfully. Appropriate etiquette is based on common sense, respect, and courtesy. Here are some tips on how to appropriately interact with the disabled, both in public, and in the workplace:

• Never focus on the disability. Your focus should be directed to the individual.
• When communicating, speak directly to the person with the disability and not their companion or interpreter.
• When being introduced to a person with a disability, offer to shake hands. If this person has limited mobility, it is okay to shake what is offered to you. Some even shake with their left hand.
• Respect the individual’s personal space, and any assistive devices they may be using. These are not toys, do not lean on or play with them without permission. Think of them as an extension of the person with whom you are interacting with.
• It is okay to offer a person with disability some assistance, but always ask first and wait until the offer is accepted. Pay attention to their instructions, and ask questions if you do not fully understand. If the person you offer assistance to declines your offer, respect their decision.
• When speaking to a person in a wheelchair, it is appropriate to “squat” or sit down and use a chair, if possible, in order to place yourself at their eye level. Do not look down on them or force them to look up at you for long periods of time as you both will experience a pain in the neck.
• Do not make inappropriate gestures such as patting someone in a wheelchair on the head, or make inappropriate remarks while initiating conversations.
• When speaking to someone who may have a hearing impairment, tap the person on the shoulder, wave your hand, or make direct eye contact. Speak naturally and slowly to establish if that person is able to read lips. Some cannot, and others will rely on your facial expressions and body language to help them understand what you mean. It is also helpful to face light when speaking so they may see your face, and avoid eating or other impairments that may hinder their ability to see your face such as smoking. Do not shout at a person who is hearing impaired.
• Always identify yourself and others when speaking to a person with vision loss. If you move around or need to end the conversation, let them know. Do not shout, and do not automatically guide them unless they ask you first. Most importantly, be descriptive in giving directions.
• When speaking to someone who has a speech impairment, do not assume you understand everything they are saying. If you do not understand, it is better to politely say so and to ask questions. Be attentive in listening, and always exercise patience.
• Relax. Do not get hung up on phrases such as “See you later,” or “Did you hear about…?” as they are common phrases that are used by everyone, including people with disabilities.
• Mistakes happen, simply apologize, correct your mistake, learn from it, and move on.