A Comprehensive Guide: What to Say and What to Avoid When Interacting with People with Disability

Interacting and communicating with people with disabilities in a respectful manner builds strong relationships. It helps in creating a more accessible and accepting community. However, many support workers fail in this aspect of communication despite having good intentions. The majority may not know the best way to communicate or interact with people with disabilities. This is where disability etiquette plays a crucial role. 

Disability etiquette refers to the appropriate language, behaviours, and attitudes in communication. These techniques foster respectful and meaningful interactions with people with disabilities. Irrespective of the situation, understanding how to communicate effectively as a support worker can help improve well-being and promote inclusion. 

In this guide, Support Network explores the key principles of disability etiquette, what to say, and what to avoid as you help your client attain independence. It also explains how to engage with people with disabilities in a way that respects their dignity and individuality. 

Why Disability Etiquette Matters

Understanding and practising disability etiquette is important for promoting inclusivity and respect in society. You should be mindful of how you communicate and interact with individuals with disabilities. This way, you will contribute to a more supportive environment. Here is why disability etiquette matters: 

Promotes Respect and Dignity

Disability etiquette ensures that people with disabilities have the same respect as everyone else. Using appropriate language and behaviour will create a smooth and open conversation. This also gives them peace of mind knowing that you respect their identity.

Encourages Inclusivity 

You contribute to a healthy environment when you interact with people properly. This gives people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in any social activities without discrimination. 

Reduces Discrimination and Stereotypes 

Not knowing what disabilities entail often leads to stereotypes and misunderstandings. Understanding and applying disability etiquette will help overcome these challenges. This makes them feel included and creates a tolerant environment for everyone.

Improves Communication

Knowing the right word to use words when communicating improves engagement. Irrespective of the communication method, just ensure you have a meaningful and effective interaction. This will ensure a smooth conversation. 

Empowers People with Disabilities 

Respecting the needs of people with disabilities should be people’s priority. This increases their self-esteem and also encourages them to engage confidently in daily life activities. Feeling respected and valued in a community always improves independence.

Strengthens Workplace Diversity and Accessibility 

Accessibility and diversity should be a top priority in a professional environment. Disability etiquette promotes a workplace environment that values and respects all employees. This will eventually lead to increased collaboration and productivity. 

Enhances Social Awareness and Advocacy

Practising disability etiquette makes individuals more socially aware. It encourages advocacy for better policies, accessibility, and equal rights. It leads to stronger community support and efforts to remove societal obstacles. 

Understanding and implementing disability etiquette contributes to a healthy living community. It promotes respect, includes, and empowers people with disabilities in every aspect of life.

As a reliable NDIS provider, Support Network is committed to helping you navigate how to interact with people living with disabilities. Whether you are a caregiver or not, Support Network is always here to help.

General Principles of Disability Etiquette

Use Person-First Language 

Person-first language underscores the individual rather than their disability. Address them by their name, not by their condition. However, some people prefer identity-first language, so it is best to respect their preference. 

Avoid Making Assumptions

Do not ridicule the strength of people with disabilities. Don’t assume what they can do and what they cannot do. Disabilities vary among individuals according to their conditions. Thus, individuals have different capabilities and levels of independence. It is always better to ask if they need assistance instead of assuming because of their condition. 

Speak Directly to the Person 

If a caregiver or assistant is accompanying a person with a disability, don’t address them. Always talk to them directly instead of speaking through someone else. This shows respect for their independence.

Respect Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices

People with people often use wheelchairs, white canes, hearing aids, or service animals. So, all these are important for their independence. Therefore, do not touch or move them without their permission. 

Be Patient and Flexible

People often have different ways of doing things. Likewise, people with disabilities also have different ways of doing their things. And sometimes interacting with another person might take longer. Thus, it is important to be patient and adaptable towards them. 

• Do not rush or stress them to hurry up. 
• Be open to various forms of communication. 
• Adapt another approach based on their comfort level. 

A little patience goes a long way in creating a more inclusive society.

Respect Personal Space and Independence

People with disabilities value their independence just like anyone else. Encourage them to make their own choices. Do not make assumptions about their capabilities. A respectful approach to personal space builds confidence and autonomy.

Social Situations and Disability Etiquette

Prioritising social disability etiquette promotes equality. Be mindful of accessibility. Ensure that individuals with disabilities feel welcomed and accommodated.

Workplace Disability Etiquette

Develop a work environment that encourages people from different backgrounds. Employers and colleagues should:

• Provide enough space that can contain them. 
• Use different means of communication in meetings and procedures. 
• Encourage them to equally participate in any given projects and activities. 
• Don’t make assumptions about their ability to perform a task.

What to Say and What to Avoid

When Speaking to People with a Physical Disability 

• Always try to communicate in a way that does not lower their self-esteem and independence. 
• People with physical impairment may use wheelchairs or crutches. So, you should not touch them without their permission.
• Make them feel included and valued by talking to them directly.
• Maintain eye contact while communicating. When communicating with someone sitting in a wheelchair, try to sit or squat to maintain steady eye contact.
• Try to avoid negative or discouraging words.
• Offer assistance only when necessary or needed.

When Speaking to People with Visual Impairment

People with visual impairments navigate the world differently. However, that does not mean they are incapable.

• Always address them by their name and identify yourself when starting a conversation.  
• People with visual impairment can understand visual gestures. Thus, express your thoughts, feelings, or emotions verbally. 
• Announce when you are leaving or entering a room.

When Speaking to People with Hearing Impairment

People with hearing impairment usually rely on sign language, lip-reading, or assistive devices. So when communicating:

• Face the person directly when speaking and keep eye contact.
• Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Communicate in short sentences and avoid shouting. 
• If the person uses sign language, be patient with them. Better still, you can consider using written communication. 
• When using an interpreter, address the person directly and not the interpreter. 

When Speaking to People with a Cognitive or Intellectual Disability

Individuals with cognitive or intellectual disabilities may process information differently. It is important to:

• Use clear and simple language without being condescending. 
• Be patient and give them time to respond. 
• Don't rush the conversation.
• Repeat or rephrase if necessary. This will ensure that they understand your conversation.
• Break down the complicated instructions into smaller steps.

When Speaking to People with Speech Impairments 

• Be patient and give them time to express themselves. 
• Don’t cut them short when they are speaking. Allow them to finish their sentences.
• Don't pretend you understand them when having a dialogue.
• Consider alternative communication methods for smooth conversation.

At Support Network, we encourage respectful engagement through our NDIS support services to help individuals adopt disability etiquette.

The Importance of Listening and Learning

Disability etiquette is not all about using the right words or behaviours. It involves genuinely understanding the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Active listening and continuous learning are important in fostering inclusivity. They also help break down misunderstandings and ensure meaningful communication. 

Listening Promotes Respectful Communication 

Being patient and attentive is one of the most important aspects of disability etiquette. People with disabilities often face challenges in being expressive or heard. Also, they often face difficulties in having their needs understood. By actively listening to them, we acknowledge their viewpoints and validate their experiences. This means: 

• Do not interrupt them when they are speaking.
• Allow them to be as expressive as they can.
• When speaking, pay attention to their signals.
• Ask for clarifications when communicating with them. Do not make assumptions.

Paying attention allows you to have more respectful and proper communication. It reduces misunderstandings and makes interactions more comfortable for everyone involved.

Learning Helps Avoid Stereotypes and Assumptions

Many people have different misconceptions about disabilities. This is a result of a lack of awareness or exposure. Without proper learning, people may unintentionally make assumptions. These assumptions can sound offensive or dismissive. For example: 

• To assume that all people with disabilities need help without making inquiries first. 
• To believe that disability is what defines people’s identity. 
• To think that people with disabilities are not capable of performing their daily tasks. 

Seeking more knowledge about every form of disability will help you interact more properly.

Listening Builds Stronger Relationships 

Naturally, When the voices of people are heard, they feel respected and valued. Thus, people with disabilities will also feel included and valued if their choices are considered. Listening to others builds stronger and more trusting relationships.

• Allow people with disabilities to engage in conversations that involve them. 
• Value their choices instead of forcing your opinion on them. 
• Regard their personal space and boundaries.

Exhibiting good listening skills will enable you to see everyone as equals. This will promote mutual respect and meaningful relationships. 

Learning Enhances Accessibility and Inclusion 

Understanding disability etiquette helps you know accessibility needs. It also involves taking proactive steps to create inclusive environments. This might involve: 

• Learning about assistive devices such as hearing aids or wheelchairs.
• Learning different language signs and communication techniques.
• Creating principles and accommodations that benefit people with disabilities.

Continuous learning about disability etiquette ensures that people with disabilities feel included and valued. 

Listening and Learning Improve Workplace Inclusivity 

Good disability etiquette builds an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. Being attentive to employees with disabilities promotes equal opportunities for growth and development. Additionally, it creates a place of respect and a sense of belonging for all employees.

Learning Helps Challenge Outdated Attitudes 

It is important to stay up-to-date about different approaches to disability. Obsolete beliefs, such as referring to people with disabilities as vulnerable, are not appropriate. Thus, learning about different aspects of disability helps ensure that your attitudes and interactions promote respect and equality. 

Listening Encourages Better Advocacy and Allyship 

When you listen and comprehend the experiences of people with disabilities, you will become very supportive. To support people with disabilities, it starts with understanding the challenges they face. By listening and learning, you can: 

• Support techniques and initiatives that promote equal rights among people. 
• Fight against discrimination and bias. 
• Allow the voices of people with disabilities to be heard. 

Building a More Inclusive Society

Listening and learning are considered important for proper disability etiquette. Prioritizing these skills will create a community where people with disabilities feel respected and empowered. Actively listening is important in building understanding and exclusivity. Committing to continuous learning allows you to stay informed about disability. Doing this will help develop a society that values and embraces diversity.

As one of the reliable NDIS providers, Support Network offers a broad range of disability care services. Our support workers undergo professional training to understand the needs of our clients. They utilize different communicative approaches while interacting with people with disabilities.

At Support Network, we are dedicated to supporting inclusivity and providing valuable resources. By working together, we can create environments where people with disabilities are empowered. This is to foster a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Get in touch today. Contact us for your requirements. Our cordial team is here to assist you with the most compassionate care you deserve.

Conclusion

Disability etiquette is not just about following rules. It includes fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusion. Make meaningful changes in the way you communicate and interact with people with disabilities. These changes can break down the challenges they face. With this, you contribute to a more accessible world for everyone.