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i ~ <br /> i <br /> DISABILITY ETIQUETTE <br /> r <br /> Some general considerations . <br /> • People with disabilities are entitled to the courtesies that you extend to <br /> j anyone. <br /> ~ • If you don't make a habit of leaning or hanging onto people you're with, then <br /> don't lean or hang on someone's wheelchair. Wheelchairs are an extension <br /> of personal space for people who use them. <br /> • When you offer to assist someone with a vision impairment, allow the person <br /> to take your arm. This will help you to guide, rather than propel or lead this <br /> person. <br /> ~ • Treat adults as adults. Call a person by his or her first name only when <br /> you're extending this familiarity to everyone present. Don't patronize people <br /> who use wheelchairs by patting them on the head. Reserve this sign of <br /> affection for children, even if a wheelchair user's head rests temptingly at <br /> about the same height as a child's. <br /> i <br /> In conversation . <br /> When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to that person . <br /> rather than through a companion who may be along. <br /> <br /> i <br /> <br /> i <br /> • Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common <br /> expressions, such as "See you later" or "Got to be running-along," that seem <br /> to relate to the person's disability. <br /> • To'get the attention of a person who has a hearing disability, tap the person <br /> on the shoulder or wave your hand. Look directly at the person and speak <br /> clearly, slowly, and expressively to establish if the person can read yowr lips. <br /> Not all persons with hearing impairments can lip-read.. Those who do will rely <br /> on facial expressions and body language to help in understanding. Show <br /> consideration by placing yourself facing the light source and keeping hands <br /> and food away from your mouth when speaking. Shouting won't help. <br /> Written notes will. <br /> • When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself <br /> and others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to <br /> say the name of the person to whom you are speaking to give a vocal cue. <br /> Speak in a normal tone of voice, indicate when you move from one place to <br /> another, and let it be known when.the conversation is at an end. . <br /> <br />