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Fred’ s suggestions for interacting with someone who has a disability.
You may have heard this a million times, but it’ s true, we’ re all“ people” first, so you should use“ people first” language. This is an acknowledgement that a person’ s disability does not define them, but their humanity does. For example, instead of saying,“ a disabled person” you should say,“ a person with a disability.”
Always speak directly to the person with a disability. If they use a wheelchair or if they are a little person, you should kneel down on one knee, or for extended conversations, you should sit in a chair. It’ s always best to have level eye contact with the person who has the disability.