Disability Etiquette: Interacting With Deaf, Hard Of Hearing And Wheelchair User

The Albino Foundation Public Notice

People want to be properly communicated with. Effective communication can help in many areas of life: building relationships, resolving employment, expressing oneself, fostering empathy and helping deal with mental health.
When it comes to effective communication and interaction with any person, respect and courtesy are key.
These priorities don’t change when interacting with people with disabilities.

there are tips to help maintain good etiquette and address specific issues related to disabilities:

Etiquette in relating with a deaf
When talking to someone with a disability, always speak directly to him or her. Even if they require some assistance/device to facilitate communication, you are speaking to them and they deserve your full attention.
Always use “person first” language
When talking about a person with a disability, never use language that can seem demeaning. Terms like “handicapped”, “deaf and dumb” or “cripple” have a negative connotation that can offend others. It is best to ask them what terms they prefer to use.

Etiquette of Interacting with a Wheelchair User
Don’t ask a person using a wheelchair to hold things for you
Personal space is important to all of us, and that is true about people who use wheelchairs as well.
Don’t judge people based on appearance
Never assume that because a person’s appearance is altered that they are any less mentally capable than you, their abilities are just different.
Most importantly, Individuals with disabilities have full lives with hobbies and passions. Their “disability” does not define them, and it should not define how to interact with them.