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.
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