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Working With The Disabled
Since Congress passed the American citizens with Incapacities Act in 1990, folks who formerly had limited or no access to public spaces now move about with a degree of ease in the office. These are some of the issues to be aware of. Instead of making reference to somebody as an epileptic, say 'person with epilepsy' or 'John, who has epilepsy....' Avoid words with a negative tone.
Folks who use wheelchairs aren't 'bound' or 'confined' to their chairs. Someone might have spastic muscles but shouldn't be described as spastic. Preferred language is easy. Rather than asserting that an individual is 'crippled with arthritis,' 'suffering from MS,' 'afflicted with ALS,' say, 'John has epilepsy' or 'Mary has MS.' Use the following terms : 'Congenital disability' instead of 'birth defect.' 'Non-disabled' instead of 'normal,' 'healthy' or 'able-bodied.' 'Condition' instead of 'disease' or 'defect.' 'Visually impaired' instead of 'blind' unless an individual is fully sightless. 'Deaf' or 'hard of hearing' instead of 'hearing impaired.' 'Little person' or 'dwarf' instead of 'midget.' words like 'victim,' 'cripple,' 'unfortunate,' 'dumb,' 'deaf mute,' 'deformed' and 'pitiful' are offensive.
Ask folks with incapacities if they need help before making an attempt to help them. If they desire assistance, ask for particular instructions on how it's possible for you to be useful. Look immediately at anyone with an incapacity when speaking whether or not the person has an interpreter or companion present. Don't presume a lecture impairment implies that somebody also has a hearing impairment or intellectual restrictions. Permit folk with speech impairments to end their own sentences. Raise questions that let concise answers or a nod of the head. The other person always has the choice of giving a longer reply. Talk quietly, slowly, and distinctly to somebody who has a hearing problem or other difficulty understanding.
Stand to the front of the individual and use gestures to help communication. When walking with somebody who is visually diminished, permit that person to set the pace. If the person asks for or accepts your offer of help, don't grab his arm. It is simpler for him to hang onto you.
Leaning on a wheelchair when speaking to the individual is selfish. If you'll be having a long conversation with somebody employing a wheelchair, get a chair and sit at eyelevel with the individual. You'll both feel more at ease. Bear in mind that folk with disabilities are just like everybody else with the exception of certain physical conditions. Treat them as the able competent work-mates or associates they are.