Tips for Interacting with Students and Visitors

Vision impaired:

  • Offer to be a scribe

  • Offer to read information out loud

  • Do not touch them if they are bumping into things; instead give verbal direction

  • Do not keep anything that can fall on them or they can bump into in the office

  • Colorblindness:

    • Keep in mind the colors used on any forms and digital formats. Remember, many people who are colorblind cannot distinguish between red and green

Hearing impaired:

  • Speak slowly and clearly

  • Let them see your lips moving when speaking

  • Do not speak in a tone that is too low. If you are not sure if you are speaking loud enough to be heard, ask politely if you should speak louder

  • For Deaf students and visitors, offer to write/type conversations. This can be done on a small white board or piece of paper. However, an electronic device is best, as it's faster to type messages and the writing is neat. It also allows the Deaf person type their responses/messages clearly to you.


If you see someone struggling to read or write, offer to support them. But, never assume!

Most of the time, it's easy to tell if a person needs help writing/typing because they have a cast on their right arm or they are blind. However, keep in mind that there are people who also need help writing or reading because of other reasons, such as they didn't bring their reading glasses or they have arthritis, etc. And until they disclose this information, you'd never know! So always pay attention to facial expression and body language to see if some needs more assistance.


Be aware that what we say or how we treat people can effect them negatively. Some comments can be triggers for people with mental health concerns or those who have been involved in traumatic events.

You can tell a lot about a space - who's included, welcomed, and invited - based on the way the room is set up. Be sure to signal to disabled members of the Dominican community that we are all included, welcomed, and invited.

When offices and spaces are not accessible it can create suffering, dread, trauma, and anxiety. Be an ally and an advocate by paying attention to body language. Is someone waiting in line? Maybe they could benefit from a chair. Is someone wincing at the loud noise they hear? Do you have earplugs you can offer? Can you lower the volume? Make sure you always ask and never assume.

Many disabilities are "invisible," or "non-apparent." Be aware that using the phrase "invisible disability" might bother some, since it begs the question: "invisible to whom?" Not seeing a disability does not mean that the person isn't struggling, trying to cope, etc. Seeing or knowing about a disability, however, does not automatically mean that a disabled person is struggling, needs your help, etc. Always ask, never assume.

Here are some examples of "non-apparent" disabilities:

  • chronic fatigue

  • ADHD

  • autism

  • lower-limb prosthesis

  • vertigo

  • chronic pain

  • cancer

  • epilepsy

  • migraines

  • pregnancy

  • arthritis

  • diabetes

  • mental health disabilities (e.g. anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder)

  • acquired/traumatic brain injury


Instead of focusing on a diagnosis, ask them to describe their strengths and areas for growth. Most of us aren't doctors, so a diagnosis does not give us much information (even if we WebMD it). We can do more with stories; it'll help you uncover how you can best support someone and it will empower the individual.