Disability etiquette

Overview

Disability etiquette is not different from etiquette. People expect and desire dignity, respect, and basic kindness when it comes to personal interactions. Often, people with disabilities are treated differently because of their unique needs. While their needs may be unique and different, their desire and expectation to be treated with respect and kindness is not. 

Respect autonomy 

A prosthetic limb is a limb. An assistive device like a white cane or wheelchair is also an extension of the person.  

• Just as you wouldn't grab a non-disabled person's arm, don't grab a blind person's arm or white cane.
• Don't touch or push a person's wheelchair without permission. 

Respect independence 

People with disabilities value independent living, as do non-disabled persons. They can make their own decisions. They want to travel, shop, and bank just like anyone else. 

• Talk to the Deaf person, not their sign language interpreter.
• Don't interact with a working service animal (e.g., petting, grabbing the harness, etc.), distracting them from their job.
• When a barrier is pointed out by a disabled person, work to remove the barrier instead of assuming they should rely on help. Just because someone has a disability doesn't mean they should give up their privacy and independence. 

Respect, don’t assume 

Just as you shouldn't make assumptions based on someone's appearance, don't make assumptions based on someone's disability. 

• Because someone is hard of hearing doesn't mean they know sign language.
• Because someone is blind doesn't mean they don't know where they are.
• Because someone is using a wheelchair doesn't mean they can't stand or walk. 

The above examples might seem a bit outlandish, but they are real interactions taken from real people. Don't assume that someone needs help or is not capable just because they have a disability. 

For more information, see the Starting guide to disability etiquette from Disability:IN. 

Make inclusion part of your daily life  

People with disabilities are first and foremost individuals. They should be treated with respect, just like any other person.  

Making inclusion part of your daily life means being considerate of people's needs at work or school, at the store, and everywhere you go. It means making your social media posts accessible and planning accessible events. It means learning how to create accessible documents and websites. Disability inclusion requires accessibility.  

Pay attention to and learn from the experiences of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are not just experts in their disabilities, but also in their professional fields, hobbies, and other interests.