Before offering assistance, ask first, to ensure the person wants it. It is inaccurate to assume from a person's disability that they require help. People with disabilities want to be recognized as independent and autonomous. Often, an individual will communicate that they need assistance.

(Disability Etiquette - A Starting Guide, 2022; United Spinal Association, 2023)

Be genuine. If you mess up, admit it and ask for a better method to engage or communicate with the individual with a disability. Fear might isolate the individual and keep you from building lasting relationships.

(Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, 2023)

While interacting with people who have disabilities, don't be afraid to ask them questions or bring up problems when they come up. These people will not perform at their best if you avoid conversation out of fear that you might say something incorrectly.

(United Spinal Association, 2023)

When working with individuals with disabilities the focus should be on their strengths, not on their challenges. It is impolite to ask about an individual's medical condition unless they bring it up.

(Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, 2023; United Spinal Association, 2023)

Don’t pet, feed, or distract a guide dog. They are not pets, they are working companions.

(Disability Etiquette - A Starting Guide, 2022; United Spinal Association, 2023)

When meeting a person with a disability try to treat them as a person first. For example, shake hands or provide a fist bump if you usually do so when meeting someone.

(Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, 2023; United Spinal Association, 2023)

Don’t push or touch a person’s wheelchair or assistive device, its part of their personal space. Never grab or push individuals that use crutches or other mobility devices. Individuals with limited mobility use their devices for support and unwanted or sudden assistance may cause them to fall.

(United Spinal Association, 2023)

Some individuals may use a paraprofessional or other support professional; it is important and respectful to look at and speak directly to the person with a disability instead of their support staff or someone else. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you are unsure of what to do.

(Disability Etiquette- A Starting Guide, 2022; Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, 2023; United Spinal Association, 2023; Kettle, 2020; United Spinal Association, 2023).

Never make fun of or tease someone who has a speech impairment. Everyone values being able to speak clearly and being taken seriously.

(United Spinal Association, 2023)

People first language recognizes that individuals are more than their disabilities. Be mindful of the language you use. Avoid using terms to describe a person or people as:

• Differently abled

• Physically challenged

• Handicapped

• The disabled

• Wheelchair-bound

• Victim of…

• Crippled

This language can be offensive to individuals with disabilities. Instead, use a person with a disability or people with disabilities, or a person who uses a wheelchair. If you are unsure what words to use, ask.

(Disability Etiquette - A Starting Guide, 2022; United Spinal Association, 2023)

Identify yourself before you make physical contact with a person who is blind. Tell them your name and role and be sure to introduce others in the group so to not be excluded. Instead of grabbing or taking an individual’s arm who is blind, offer your arm. These individuals may use their arms for balance. If you need to leave a person who is blind, inform them that you are leaving and ask them if they need anything before you leave.

(United Spinal Association, 2023)