[printer friendly (text) page]

The Disability Etiquette Handbook
by Sarah John

To some people, interacting with individuals with disabilities is new territory, and with any new territory there is a little fear. It may be the fear of saying the wrong thing and offending someone, or doing something that would put the other person in an awkward position, or simply embarrassing ourselves.

Unless we have friends, classmates or colleagues who have disabilities and are willing to be candid with us, it is virtually impossible to get practical advice and answers to questions about some of the “dos” and “don’ts” when interacting with people with disabilities.

The amount of fear and questions compounds in classrooms of students who have not had any encounters with students who they may perceive as “different” from them. When entering into a service-learning project that involves disabled people, students may benefit from some pointers to get them started.

The city of San Antonio, Texas has been taking steps to make itself more accessible to all of its community members and visitors. They have produced the Disability Etiquette Handbook to help all of us get the answers we need, but have no one to ask. The majority of the Disability Etiquette Handbook is available on line at http://www.sanantonio.gov/planning/disability_handbook/
disability_handbook.asp.

Here is one example of the information found in the handbook: “When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. Shaking hands with the left hand is acceptable. For those who cannot shake hands, touch them on the shoulder or arm to welcome and acknowledge their presence” (DEH).

Whether you have questions about the issue or are getting ready for an inclusive service-learning project, this handbook can answer some of your questions until you make some new friends to ask.