Disability Etiquette

If you feel unsure about how to interact with someone with a disability, take a look at the resources below for tips and recommendations. 

Using people-first language 

People-first language emphasizes the person first, not the disability. Learn some tips for how to communicate with and about people with disabilities in a respectful way by using words that emphasize abilities and the need for accessibility versus limitations and disability. 

Ten Tips For Communicating With People With Disabilities 

Read 10 quick tips from DIVERSEability Magazine for interacting with people with disabilities.  

Communicating with People with Disabilities 

Get recommendations for communicating with people with different types of disabilities such as vision loss, mobility limitations, hearing loss, speech difficulties, and more. 

Etiquette: Interacting With People With Disabilities 

View this bite-size training video from the D.C. Office of Disability Rights for general rules of etiquette when interacting with individuals with disabilities. 

Blind etiquette 

Six suggestions for making your next interaction with someone who is blind or visually impaired more respectful of them and comfortable for you. 

Guide techniques for people who are blind or visually impaired 

This 10-minute video teaches you how to provide meaningful assistance when walking with someone who is blind or visually impaired using the guide technique.