Tips for Communicating with People with Disabilities
Feeling like you don't know what to say and/or how to act? Remember we're all human. No one is judging your every move so first and foremost...
RELAX! You are communicating with a person, not a "disability"Mistakes are OKAY! We all make themASSUMING... We all know that old saying... Remember you don't know what another person is and/or isn't capable ofSpeak directly to the person. If a companion is present, don't speak to the person through the companionTreat adults as adults. Address people with disabilities by their first names only when extending the same familiarity to everyone else presentNever patronize someone by patting him/her on the head or shoulders.Never pet, talk to, feed, or otherwise distract a service animal unless the owner has give you permissionBe proactive. If you see a visitor with a visible disability enter the building (wheelchair, walking cane, service animal, hearing aid, etc..) and you have the ability to leave your post, greet them and let them...