By Lydia Ramsey
Since Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in1990, people who previously had limited or no access to publicplaces now move about with a degree of ease in the workplace.While these people have their challenges with sight, hearing ormovement, those who work with them are often confused about howto interact them with sensitivity and understanding.
Here are some of the issues to keep in mind.
When it is necessary to mention the disability, language shouldemphasize the person first, the disability second. Rather thanreferring to someone as an epileptic, say "person with epilepsy"or "John, who has epilepsy...."
Avoid words that have a negative tone. People who usewheelchairs are not "bound" or "confined" to their chairs. Aperson may have spastic muscles but should not be described asspastic.
Preferred language is simple. Instead of saying that a person is"crippled with arthritis," "suffering from MS," "afflicted withALS," say, "John has epilepsy" or "Mary has MS."
Use the following terms:
"Congenital disability" rather than "birth defect.""Non-disabled" rather than "normal," "healthy" or "able-bodied.""Condition" rather than "disease" or "defect." "Visuallyimpaired" rather than "blind" unless a person is totallysightless. "Deaf" or "hard of hearing" rather than "hearingimpaired." "Little person" or "dwarf" rather than "midget."Words or phrases like "victim," "cripple," "unfortunate,""dumb," "deaf mute," "deformed" and "pitiful" are offensive.
Ask people with disabilities if they need or want help beforetrying to assist them. If they want assistance, ask for specificinstructions on how you can be helpful.
Look directly at any person with a disability when talking evenif the person has an interpreter or companion present.
Don't assume a speech impairment indicates that a person alsohas a hearing impairment or intellectual limitations.
Allow people with speech impairments to finish their ownsentences. Don't talk for them or interrupt. Ask questions thatpermit short answers or a nod of the head. The other personalways has the option of giving a longer response.
Speak calmly, slowly, and distinctly to a person who has ahearing problem or other difficulty understanding. Stand infront of the person and use gestures to aid communication.
When walking with a person who is visually impaired, allow thatperson to set the pace. If the person asks for or accepts youroffer of help, don't grab his arm. It is easier for him to holdonto you.
Never start to push someone's wheelchair without first askingthe occupant's permission.
Leaning on a wheelchair when talking to the person isinconsiderate.
If you will be having a long conversation with someone using awheelchair, get a chair and sit at eye level with the person.You will both feel more comfortable.
Keep in mind that people with disabilities are just likeeveryone else with the exception of certain physical conditions.Treat them as the capable competent co-workers or colleaguesthey are.
(c) 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved.Reprints welcome so long as the article and by-line arepublished intact and all links made live
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