TASC is sponsored by the Administration on Developmental

TASC is sponsored by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). TASC is a division of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). TASC CONFERENCES & TRAINING EVENTS PRESENTER GUIDE # 4 Disability Etiquette & People First Language January 2009 1

PRESENTER GUIDE # 4 Disability Etiquette / People First Language Hello. I am Byron Stith, Disability Advocacy Specialist for the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). Thank you for your interest in proper disability etiquette, including the use of “People First” language. 2

Disability Etiquette Disability etiquette is: • the guidelines and rules that one should follow when communicating and interacting with people who have disabilities. 3

The three most important rules to remember when interacting with people who have disabilities. 1. Use common sense. 2. Don’t be patronizing. 3. Be considerate and patient. 4

Use Common Sense Ø People with disabilities want to be treated the same way everyone else is treated. Ø Remember, a person is a person first. The disability comes second. 5

Don’t Be Patronizing Ø Show the person the same respect that you expect to receive from others. Ø Treat adults as adults. 6

Be Considerate and Patient Ø Anticipate what the person’s needs may be, but don’t begin to assist someone without first asking if the person wants assistance. Ø Be patient if the person requires more time to communicate, walk, or accomplish other tasks. 7

When interacting with someone who uses an assistive mobility device. . . Ø NEVER touch, move, or hang anything on an assistive device such as a wheelchair, cane, crutch, etc. o These devices are extensions of the person and should not be moved without the owner’s permission. Ø Anticipate the need for a clear path for the person to move along. o For example: Keep belongings off the floor and chairs pushed under tables when not in use. 8

When communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. . . Ø If a sign-language interpreter is assisting with communication, look directly at the person you are conversing with, not the interpreter. Ø Eye-contact is respectful, and it helps the other person to read your lips. Ø Always speak in a normal tone of voice unless asked to do otherwise. Ø Keep your hands away from your mouth. 9

When interacting with someone who has a service animal. . . Ø Never pet or call to a guide dog or other service animal, because they are working. o Seek the owner’s permission to pet or talk to the animal. Ø When walking with a person who has a guide dog, walk on the side opposite the guide dog. 10

When Interacting with someone who is blind or has limited vision. . . Ø Identify yourself before approaching someone who is blind. Ø If an individual who is blind needs assistance being guided, ask before you offer your arm. o Do not grab or touch their arm without permission. Ø When in a buffet line, it’s OK to offer to carry food or a tray for someone who needs assistance. 11

When interacting with someone who displays symptoms of a mental illness. . . Ø Remember that one of the main challenges they face is the attitudes that people have about them. o Treat each person as an individual, and with respect. Ø Stress can affect a person’s ability to function. o If a participant becomes agitated, you or the Room Monitor can invite him or her to visit our comfort room. 12

People First Language Ø The respectful language to use for referring to individuals with disabilities. Ø It describes what a person has, not who a person is. Ø It puts the person before the disability. WORDS MATTER! 13

People First Language (cont’d) This is accomplished in two ways. 1. Putting an emphasis on the person first, rather than the disability. 2. Using language that avoids the verb “to be” when referring to people with disabilities. 14

People First Language: Examples correct incorrect Brad has autism. Brad is autistic. He’s a person with a brain injury. He is brain damaged. Joe receives special ed services. Joe is in special ed. Persons with a mental illness. The mentally ill. 15

Outdate Language: Examples outdated / incorrect the handicapped individuals with disabilities mentally retarded individual with intellectual disabilities crippled individual with a physical disability brain damaged individual with Traumatic Brain Injury 16

Thank you for your interest in using proper disability etiquette and “People First” Language. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me. Byron Stith Disability Advocacy Specialist National Disability Rights Network Byron. Stith@ndrn. org 17

PRESENTER GUIDE # 4 Disability Etiquette / People First Language Handouts available online. http: //www. ndrn. org/Meetings/pr. htm § Presenter Guide # 4 (text & large print versions) Resource materials. § Describing People with Disabilities http: //www. txddc. state. tx. us/resources/publications/pfan guage. asp § A Few Words About People First Language http: //ftp. disabilityisnatural. com/documents/PFL-Sh. pdf 18