DISABILITY ETIQUETTE Access and Accommodations Resource Center AARC

DISABILITY ETIQUETTE Access and Accommodations Resource Center (AARC) CCLIR 164 & 165 Valparaiso University aarc@valpo. edu

WHAT DO WE THINK OF WHEN WE THINK OF DISABILITY? • Visible? • Equipment? • Hardship, pity, barriers, etc? • Permanent

A Quick Image Search of Disability…

WHAT ACTUALLY IS A DISABILITY? A condition (temporary- up to 6 months; or permanent) that effects a major life activity such as walking, eating, breathing, learning, etc.

BEING MINDFUL OF YOUR MINDSET! • Disability as a Spectrum - No two are alike (even if they share a name) • Disability can be Fluid - Good days or bad days…. Disability is still there • Temporary Disabilities Count! - Concussions, broken arms/legs. Mono, etc. all can be covered by an accommodations office! • Becoming more well known, but not all disabilities are visible

BEING MINDFUL OF YOUR MINDSETACCOMMODATIONS • Accommodations are not privileges - Not designed to make class, assessments, or activities easier or harder. - Designed to remove any barriers caused by disability in order so that the user can take part in a full experience or demonstrate a skill. • Accommodations may be used in some situations, but not all, dependent on user preference. • Accommodations are not retroactive -No time traveling, what’s done is done!

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

UNIVERSAL DESIGN DOES NOT HAVE TO BE HARD! • Take this slide show for example! -Design= the simpler, the better; accommodates for screen readers, color blindness and other visual impairments. - Any graphics should have image descriptions - Captioning should be available for those who do not use ASL or interpreter is not available. - Graphics should be minimal due to screen readers, • Are options available? -Access options, different mediums for projects (objectives not changed) • Saves you time in the long run!

COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DISABILITIES • First and foremost, if you have questions, ask! - People will decide if they want to answer. Everyone has different preferences. • Talk to someone with a disability with age appropriateness, as you would any other friend or colleague, initially. If there are communication issues, they will let you know • All communication regarding disability should be kept confidential, unless given with permission to discuss. • If possible, sit on the same level as someone with a disability and make sure your mouth is in view. • If you are having trouble understanding someone with a disability, ask them to repeat themselves or indicate in a non verbal way. • If they have an aide or interpreter with them, speak directly to the person with a disability and make eye contact. Do not look at the interpreter or aide, unless that is who is speaking.

PHYSICAL TOUCH • Just like anyone else, people with disabilities may or may not appreciate physical touch, whether it be by strangers or people they know! • Do not lean on or touch any equipment of a person with a disability. That is seen as an extension of their body • Do not pet or touch any service or any other animal the person with a disability has, regardless if the animal has a vest on or not, or is working.

REMINDER!! As your relationship with a person with a disability changes, just like the relationship is fluid, so are etiquette rules. Remain in communication about what is appropriate in what situation!

QUESTIONS? • Contact the AARC! -Christina Hearne, Director christina. hearne@valpo. edu 219. 464. 5206 -Donelle Henderlong, Coordinator donelle. henderlong@valpo. edu 219. 464. 6496