10 Commandments for Communication with People with Disabilities

1.  Speak directly to the person

2.  Offer to shake hands when introduced

3.  Always identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone with a visual disability

4.  If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted

5.  Treat adults as adults

6.  Do not lean against or hang on someone’s wheelchair

7.  Listen attentively when talking with people who have difficulty speaking and wait for them to finish

8.  Recognize that all people learn and understand in different ways

9.  Tap a person who has a hearing disability on the shoulder or wave your hand to get his or her attention

10.  RELAX! Don’t be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions such as “See you later” or “Did you hear about this?” that seems to relate to a person’s disability