DISABILITIES
Working With The Disabled
By: Lydia Ramsey
S
ince Congress passed the Ameri- stead of saying that a person is “crip- Look directly at any person with
cans with Disabilities Act in 1990, pled with arthritis,” “suffering from a disability when talking even if the
people who previously had limited or MS,” “afflicted with ALS,” say, “John person has an interpreter or compan-
no access to public places now move has epilepsy” or “Mary has MS.” ion present.
about with a degree of ease in the Use the following terms: Don’t assume a speech impairment
workplace. While these people have “Congenital disability” rather than indicates that a person also has a hear-
their challenges with sight, hearing “birth defect.” ing impairment or intellectual limita-
or movement, those who work with “Non-disabled” rather than “nor- tions.
them are often confused about how mal,” “healthy” or “able-bodied.” Allow people with speech impair-
to interact them with sensitivity and “Condition” rather than “disease” ments to finish their own sentences.
understanding. or “defect.” Don’t talk for them or interrupt. Ask
Here are some of the issues to keep “Visually impaired” rather than questions that permit short answers
in mind. “blind” unless a person is totally or a nod of the head. The other person
When it is necessary to mention the sightless. always has the option of giving a lon-
disability, language should emphasize “Deaf” or “hard of hearing” rather ger response.
the person first, the disability second. than “hearing impaired.” Speak calmly, slowly, and distinctly
Rather than referring to someone as “Little person” or “dwarf” rather to a person who has a hearing prob-
an epileptic, say “person with epilep- than “midget.” lem or other difficulty understanding.
sy” or “John, who has epilepsy....” Words or phrases like “victim,” Stand in front of the person and use
Avoid words that have a negative “cripple,” “unfortunate,” “dumb,” gestures to aid communication.
tone. People who use wheelchairs are “deaf mute,” “deformed” and “piti- When walking with a person who
not “bound” or “confined” to their ful” are offensive. is visually impaired, allow that per-
chairs. A person may have spastic Ask people with disabilities if they son to set the pace. If the person asks
muscles but should not be described need or want help before trying to as- for or accepts your offer of help, don’t
as spastic. sist them. If they want assistance, ask grab his arm. It is easier for him to
Preferred language is simple. In- for specific instructions on how you hold onto you.
can be helpful. Never start to push someone’s
wheelchair without first asking the
occupant’s permission.
Leaning on a wheelchair when talk-
ing to the person is inconsiderate.
If you will be having a long conver-
sation with someone using a wheel-
chair, get a chair and sit at eye level
with the person. You will both feel
more comfortable.
Keep in mind that people with dis-
abilities are just like everyone else
with the exception of certain physical
conditions. Treat them as the capable
competent co-workers or colleagues
they are.
For more information about her programs, prod-
ucts and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.
com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthat-
sell.com.
Source:
www.articleGeek.com
24 HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE Celebrating 18 Years of Diversity
www.hnmagazine.com
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