disability etiquette interacting with people with disabilities presented by united spinal...
TRANSCRIPT
Disability Etiquette
Interacting with
People with Disabilities
Presented by
United Spinal Associationwww.unitedspinal.org
Copyright 2010
Have You Ever Heard this…?
“I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake or say the wrong thing, so I just avoid the handicapped.”
“We never get wheelchairs in here, so I have nothing to worry about.”
“I welcome the physically & mentally challenged all the time. Haven’t they suffered enough?!?”
“I know that it’s wrong, but I do get in on the latest gossip about the new office manager. I heard he has ‘mental
problems’.”
“Why does she need a Handicapped Parking space?!? She’s walking just fine to me!”
Purpose of this TrainingTo raise awareness and provide practical
tips and information for anyone who wants to interact more effectively, and more comfortably, with people with disabilities.
To dispel myths about people with disabilities.
To provide a level of comfort and ease for strengthening the diversity in your environment, whether it’s business or social.
Who Would You Pick?Applicant One
Has severe back problems that require him to seek medical attention often and requires time off from work
Applicant Two Has paralysis and uses crutches, sometimes a wheelchair to get around. Will require changes to the office space as an accommodation
Applicant ThreeSevere bouts of depression (mental illness) that may occur at any given moment. Although a “hidden disability,” the individual requires accommodations for medical purposes.
Applicant #1President John F. Kennedy
Applicant #2President Franklin D.
Roosevelt
Applicant #3President Abraham Lincoln
It’s as Simple as Knowing the BASICS!
GETTING STARTED!
What is a Disability?
Legal
Educational
Social Justice & Equality!
3 Important Numbers
54 1990221
FACTS & STATS
54 More than 54 million Americans self-identify at least
one disability
1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed
into law in 1990 with the goal of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of American
life
221People with disabilities command $221 Billion dollars in discretionary spending (Diversity, Inc.
2001).
The BasicsALWAYS…Ask before you act!Be sensitive about physical contactThink before you speakDon’t make assumptionsRespond graciously to requestsA person with a disability is an
individual FIRST - treat him or her w/ same respect & dignity that you would show any other individual
Terminology TipsPut the person first (person w/ MS)Avoid “confinement”
“confined to …”Avoid negative, disempowering words
VictimSufferer
Use idiomatic expressions“Let’s take a walk.”“See you later.”
STOP SAYING THAT…!
Avoid outdated terms like:HandicappedCrippledRetarded
Avoid euphemismsDifferently-abledPhysically Challenged
OTHER TIPS…Always speak to the person with a disability,
NOT to their companion or interpreter
Never Assume
No need to shout or speak loudly
Never touch or play with a Service Animal when one is being used
Remember – Common Courtesy is simply Common
Sense!
Types of DisabilitiesPhysical / Mobility Impairments
Sensory ImpairmentsBlind / Low Vision / Deaf / Hearing Loss
Intellectual Disabilities (Developmental Disabilities)
Speech Difficulties
Psychiatric / Mental Illness
“Hidden Disabilities” Cancer; HIV/AIDS; Learning Disability; MCS
THE FEAR
FACTOR!
Self-Identification and the
“Fear Factor”
“People will think I’m a trouble-maker, so I won’t ask for any of the new Assistive Technology that will
help me do my job better.”
“I just got this promotion. If I told my supervisor that I have MS, I could lose it.”
“If I told people that I have a learning disability, they will think that I’m stupid, so I won’t let anyone
know.”“If I ask for a sign language interpreter, people will
think that I’m just spending money that the organization does not have.”
Ways to Address “Fear Factor”
Accessibility should be CommonplaceIncorporate accessibility into every aspect of
activity/eventsAssign an individual to address
access/disability related requests & accommodations
Focus on the individuals ‘Abilities’ rather than ‘dis-ability’
(hosting special events; inviting pecial guests)
So Why PracticeDisability Etiquette?
Why Practice Disability Etiquette?
A man has worked w/ an organization/agency for 15 years when he is diagnosed with MS
A woman interviews for a position as a computer software specialist. She is blind.
A man introduces himself to a woman at a government/community retreat social gathering. The woman is deaf. The man is not.
The location for the annual picnic is not accessible; An invited, dignitary from out of town, brings his son who has Spina Bifida & uses a wheelchair.
ACCOMMODATIONS?
What For!?!
Can you Read this?(in 15 seconds or less!)
Ew dohl eesht hrtust Ot eb lfse tnedive ttah lla nme are detaerc queal, that tyeh rea newdode
yb trihe rCrtoea ithw rectian nulaeianlbe irgths, hatt manog eesht rea fiel, bilytre, dna
eth rupiust fo shsaepnpi.
Now, Can you Read this?
“We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness.”
Can you Read this?
We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In order to receive the company-wide 25% pay increase, you MUST report to human resources by 5pm today!
A mandatory training will be held for all employees tomorrow at 10am. Those who do not attend will be reprimanded.
Now, Can you Read This?
We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
In order to receive the company-wide 25% pay increase, you MUST report to human resources by 5pm today!
A mandatory training will be held for all employees tomorrow at 10am. Those who do not attend will be
reprimanded.
What You Can DoProvide “Reasonable Accommodations” when
necessary (i.e. interview process; training)
Develop a plan to remove physical barriersTap into Community/ National Resources
- i.e. ILC’s or DBTACUtilize Assistive Technology as an
accommodation
What You Can Do (cont’d)
Incorporate accessibility when developing programs & activities, i.e. staff meetings, training classes, picnics/outings
As a part of ongoing diversity & outreach efforts, develop an “in-house” committee/task force which focuses on one’s “ability” rather than “dis-ability”
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Take people with disabilities into consideration when formulating an emergency evacuation plan for your facility.
Take into consideration people who may not consider themselves “disabled.” (i.e. people with asthma or someone who has a chronic heart condition)
Compile a voluntary list and ask each individual what considerations they might need in the event of an emergency evacuation. Develop and practice an evacuation plan.
Publications…Disability Etiquette
Canes to Wheelchairs: Mobility AlternativesUnderstanding the ADA
Understanding the Fair Housing Amendments ActTaking Action: Guide to Self-Advocacy
Accessible Air TravelWomen’s Health Guide
No Excuse for Abuse & Neglect –Women Parking for Just One-Minute PadsFire Safety for Wheelchair Users
Plus much more!Visit www.unitedspinal.org
For complete Publication Listing and Descriptions
“The American city should be a collection of communities where
every member has a right to belong”
President Lyndon B. Johnson
“Coming Together is a Beginning.
Keeping Together is Progress.
Working Together is Success.”
Henry Ford
www.unitedspinal.org1-800-404-2898
Thank You!
Copyright 2010