According to the CDC, up to one in four adults in the United States live with some type of disability. That’s a significant portion of the population. Yet for some reason, for those who don’t have a disability, it can still be difficult to interact naturally and normally with those who do. Why is this?
Awkwardness or unease when interacting with people who have disabilities can be traced all the way back to when we were little children. Parents often tell children, “Don’t stare!” or “It’s rude to ask questions.” While these suggestions may be well-intentioned, they can end up having negative consequences later on in life when connecting with people with disabilities.
While every individual is unique and has their own preferences, there are some general guidelines to follow when interacting comfortably and respectfully with people with disabilities.
Just relax.
Oftentimes, the biggest issue when interacting with someone who is disabled is not wanting to be offensive. Able-bodied persons try so hard not to be rude or make a mistake, that they end up getting flustered, awkward or even completely avoiding the individual who is disabled. The first thing to do in situations like this is just relax. If you treat the individual like any other person, he or she will know that you’re trying to be respectful, even if you slip up sometimes.
Respect language preferences.
While some people prefer "person-first" language (e.g., “Katie has cerebral palsy”), many others proudly prefer "identity-first" language (e.g., “I am a disabled person”). Identity-first language acknowledges that a disability is an intrinsic part of someone's culture and identity. The best approach is simply to listen and use the language the individual uses for themselves.
Recognize "invisible" disabilities.
It is important to remember that not all disabilities are physical or visible. Neurodivergence (like Autism or ADHD), chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions are incredibly common. Because you cannot always "see" a disability, it is best to practice universal grace and patience in all your interactions.
Avoid patronizing.
No one likes being patronized or treated like a child. Never talk down to a person with a disability. This means avoiding child-like vocabulary, pet names, or talking unnecessarily louder than normal. Additionally, be mindful of over-praising everyday activities. Waking up in the morning and going to the store is simply living life, not an "inspirational" act of bravery. Praising someone for doing ordinary tasks can feel objectifying rather than supportive, and can have a negative effect.
Ask before helping.
Most individuals with disabilities know how to take care of themselves, or have someone who is trained to help. While automatically helping someone may seem kind, it can be frustrating or even dehumanizing for a person with a disability. Things such as taking a person’s arm and steering them in “the right direction,” putting on their jacket for them or pushing someone’s wheelchair can be very invasive. If you see a person who appears to be struggling, ask his or her permission first before offering your help.
Practice digital accessibility.
Since so much of our communication happens online today, consider accessibility in your digital spaces. Asking if someone needs closed captions on a video call, using Alt-Text on social media images, and ensuring documents are screen-reader friendly shows that your respect extends seamlessly into the hybrid workplace.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Finally, when you’ve established a relationship and the situation is appropriate, don’t be afraid to acknowledge the person’s disability and ask respectful questions. Avoid making assumptions, engage in meaningful conversation and make an effort to get to know the person for who they are.
Follow the Platinum Rule.
The Golden Rule is a great start, but try following the Platinum Rule: treat others how they would like to be treated. Take your lead from the person you’re interacting with to see how they prefer to be acknowledged, treated and described. Share in their perspective to gain valuable insight.
Remember: every person is unique and has his or her own preferences. These guidelines are not universal, but can be a great start for bridging the communication gap and interacting across different abilities. Try these next time to see how you can learn and grow in an inclusive and altruistic lifestyle.
