Helping the Disabled: Mind Your Manners//
Have you ever come upon a person with a disability who seemed to need help?// Did you offer to help?// Or did you walk on by because you were unsure what to do?// Here is some advice about what you can do in such a situation.//
Ask first//
　If you see a person with a disability struggling with something, your first instinct may be to jump in and help.// However, without knowing that person’s specific needs, you may be doing more harm than good.// Always ask before offering your assistance.//
　People with disabilities may seem to be struggling when they are actually fine.// It may take them longer to do certain tasks, but that does not mean they need help.//
　Simply say, “Would you like any help?”// If your offer is declined, do not be offended or insist on helping.//
Be respectful//
　Speak in your normal voice.// People often feel they should speak more slowly or loudly, but this may seem rude.//
　If a person is hard of hearing, make sure to look directly at them so they can read your lips.//
　Sitting down to make eye contact with someone in a wheelchair is a polite gesture.//
　If someone has a speech problem, don’t pretend to understand when you don’t.// Simply ask them to repeat what they said.//
Don’t be afraid to ask//
　You may be afraid to ask questions for fear of calling attention to someone’s disability.// However, avoiding obvious questions can just call more attention to the issue.// Most people with disabilities would like you to ask a question rather than to remain confused.//
　For example, if you see someone in a wheelchair looking for a ramp, it is perfectly all right to say, “Do you know where the wheelchair ramp is?// It’s hard to find, and I just want to make sure you know.”//
　Whatever you do, always remember that the person with a disability is, first of all, a person.//