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.
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.