FINAL WORD
EEO
National Disability Employment Awarenesss Month:
Not sure what do or say? Ask!
Debbie Lamb
Special Emphasis Program Manager for
Individuals with Disabilities
The National Organization on
Disability estimates there are 54 million
Americans with a disability. You don’t
have to feel awkward when dealing with
a person who has a disability. Disability
Etiquette is a growing field as more and
more people are identified as having a
disability, visible or unseen. Too often
we find ourselves in an awkward situation, to help or not to help. “How do
I help?” you think to yourself. “Maybe
it would be best if I don’t do anything
‘cause I don’t know what to do”, you
then think to yourself. Well, get over
it! If you are not sure what to say or do,
ASK!
The times, they are a ’changing.
Terminology is changing too. “Handicapped” is so outdated! Today the term
is “person with a disability” or “people with disabilities” rather than “the
disabled” and “crippled”, or “retarded”
is definitely out! Be aware that many
people with disabilities dislike jargony, euphemistic terms. Say “person
who uses a wheelchair” rather than
“confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair bound.” The wheelchair is what
enables the person to get around and
participate in society; it’s liberating, not
confining! With any disability, avoid
negative, disempowering words, like
The theme for this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month observation is “Because we are equal to the task.” (File photo)
“victim” or “sufferer.”
Falls are a big problem for people
who have limited mobility. Physical
therapy for most people includes learning how to get up on our own. So don’t
feel awkward, ask if I need help, but
respect my answer when say thank you,
I can do it.
People who use canes or crutches
need their arms to balance themselves,
so never grab them. Avoid patting a
person on the head or touching his
wheelchair, scooter or cane. People with
disabilities consider their equipment
part of their personal space. People
who have limited mobility may lean
on a door for support as they open it.
Pushing the door open from behind or
unexpectedly opening the door may
cause them to fall. Even pulling out
or pushing in a chair may present a
problem.
Always speak directly to the person
with a disability, just talk to him as you
would with anyone else. Respect his
privacy. If you ask about his disability,
he may feel like you are treating him
as a disability, not as a human being.
However, many people with disabilities
are comfortable with questions about
their disability after getting to know
someone.
People with disabilities are the best
judge of what they can or cannot do.
Don’t make decisions for them about
participating in any activity. Depending on the situation, it could be a
violation of the ADA to exclude people
because of a presumption about their
limitations.
HUMAN RESOURCES
2014 open season for FEHB begins Nov. 11
Liza Rosa
The 2013 Federal Benefits Open Season (for the 2014 plan
year) runs from Nov. 11, through Dec. 9.
Below are important reminders regarding your current
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program
plan selections.
First, Plan Ahead—Visit www.BENEFEDS.com/prepare
- Find out everything you need to know about your
FEDVIP enrollment before Open Season begins, including
reviewing the Enrollment Terms & Conditions
- We encourage you to login or retrieve your BENEFEDS
User ID and password before Open Season to view your FEDVIP enrollment.
16 NewsCastle
Second, Review Your Plan Rates—Visit www.BENEFEDS.
com/rates.
- Your premiums may change for 2014.
Third, Make Your Changes—Login to www.BENEFEDS.
com
- BENEFEDS.com is the fastest and easiest way to view
and make changes to your FEDVIP enrollment during Open
Season.
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