Bajan Sun Magazine - Caribbean Entrepreneurs Vol 1 Issue 9 | Page 55

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE NOV 2014 Etiquette for Persons with Disabilities By Judy Beckles T he weekend of 27th-28th September saw four Board members of the Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic Committee (TTPC) attending a Sport Workshop in Chicago, which was hosted by Blaze Sports of America. The workshop was title CerJudy Beckles tified Disability Sport Specialist Course (CDSS) and focused primarily on ensuring Community Based Competencies in Disability Sports Services for Persons with Disabilities. While Sports and its protocols were the main theme, it was also important that ‘Disability Etiquette’ – Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities be highlighted since it is still unknown and uncomfortable for most people to accept. Some etiquette tips include:  Use of normal tone when extending a verbal welcome, unless it is asked of you.  It is appropriate to shake hands, when introduced to a person with a disability. If the person cannot shake hands, touch the person on the shoulder or arm to welcome and acknowledge their presence.   For persons using mobile aids e.g. crutches, wheelchairs, walkers etc. it is important that the environment is accessible and friendly to their physical needs.  When communicating with someone in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, sit in a chair, so as to be at the same eye level as the person.  When speaking to a visually impaired person, always identify yourself and anyone who may be with you. If you offer that person a seat, place the person’s hand on the back or arm of the seat. A verbal cue is also helpful. Let the person know if you are moving away.  For persons with a speech impediment, give your whole attention to the person.  Do not shout, but instead look directly at persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Most of them can read lips. Speaking expressively also helps as they rely on body language and facial expressions to tell the story. Allow a person with a visual impairment to take your arm (at or above the elbow). This will allow you to guide rather than propel or lead the person.  Sign language interpreters are part or extension of an event, so it is important to share in advance as much information as possible with the interpreter so that the correct information is given. When talking to a person with a disability, look at and speak directly to that person rather than through a companion or interpreter.   Every person who is accompanied by a service animal may or may not ‘look’ disabled. Do not touch the service animal or the person it assists. Do not feed the animal as it may disrupt its schedule. www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | [email protected] | @BajanSunOnline