(However, many people with disabilities are comfortable with children's natural curiosity and do not mind if a child asks them questions.) If you ask about his disability, he may feel like you are treating him as a disability, not as a human being. Making small talk with a person who has a disability is great just talk to him as you would with anyone else. People with disabilities consider their equipment part of their personal space.Īlways speak directly to the person with a disability, not to his companion, aide or sign language interpreter. Avoid patting a person on the head or touching his wheelchair, scooter or cane. Grabbing them - even if your intention is to assist - could knock them off balance. Some people with disabilities depend on their arms for balance. And if she does want help, ask how before you act.
Offer assistance only if the person appears to need it. Adults with disabilities want to be treated as independent people. If the setting is accessible, people with disabilities can usually get around fine. Just because someone has a disability, don't assume she needs help. Note: We want you to think of people who have a disability as individuals - your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors - so rather than use the amorphous group term "they" for people with disabilities, we use the pronouns "he" or "she" throughout this brochure. Helpful resources for understanding and addressing the challenges faced by students with documented disabilitiesĭisability Etiquette - Tips On Interacting With People With Disabilities If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Dina Assante, Associate Dean, Center for Academic and Career Engagement, Union Building, 71 as early as possible in the term. Here is the recommended text: Students with Disabilities In an effort to reach out to all students, we ask that you add a short statement to your syllabus or to your Moodle site. Students are encouraged to request services at the beginning of each semester for which they need services. We encourage every faculty member to contact us with questions or concerns. The Office of Disability Support Services collaborates with faculty to provide reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Wagner faculty play an integral role in supporting the academic pursuits of students registered with our office.