ADA Etiquette
First Person Language
Most people grew up in a time when it was perfectly acceptable to refer to a person with a disability as "handicapped". We also thought of people as "wheelchair bound", "a victim of", or "suffering from". These terms are outdated and no longer acceptable.
The use of the term "handicap" conjures up a negative or demeaning connotation. "Wheelchair bound" and "suffering from" are both terms found to be objectionable as they call attention in a rather dramatic fashion to a person's disability.
Today, we use a concept known as "person first language". The thinking behind person first language is that a disability is merely a single characteristic of the individual's personhood. We ll have characteristics, race, gender, ethnicity, etc. A person with a disability has a characteristic of a disability. It is inappropriate to label them by that characteristic, thus calling undue attention to the disability. It is more appropriate to see the person first, thus the language talks about "a person with a disability".
Below please find a list of outdated terms and terms which are acceptable for use in today's business/social world.
| Do Not Use |
Preferable Terms |
| Handicapped |
Person with a disability |
| Victim of |
Person with a disability |
| Challenged |
Person with a disability |
| Wheelchair bound |
Person with a mobility impairment |
| Eplleptic |
Person with a seizure disorder |
| Mentally Retarded |
Person with an intellectual disability |
| Suffering from |
Person with a disability |
| Special |
Person with a disability |
| Hearing Impaired |
Person who is deaf or hard of hearing |
Sign Language Interpreter
When using the services of a sign language interpreter, it is important to remember to speak directly to the person who is deaf or hard of hearing. The sign language interpreter is functioning only as a conduit of the communication and is not a part of the conversation. The code of ethics that sign language interpreters adhere to mandates strict confidentiality of communications.
Giving Directions to a Person who is Blind
When giving directions to a person who is blind or has low vision, it is very important to provide very concise information. For example, rather than saying "the restroom is over there", one would say "the women's restroom is 30 feet down the corridor on the right hand side". When initiating a conversation with a person who is blind, it is advisable to identify yourself and anyone with you so that they know why they are talking with. It is also important to let the blind person know when you are leaving. This avoids the situation where the blind person will continue talking to you after you have departed.
Speaking with a Persons who are Blind
It is perfectly acceptable when speaking to a person who is blind to use words such as "see" or "show". It is also acceptable to suggest to a wheelchair user that you walk to the corner deli with them to have lunch. Or in another instance, to ask a person who is deaf if they have heard from a friend lately. Attempting to avoid terms normally used in conversation will only draw attention to the persons disability and make the communication with them seem awkward or artificial.
Offering Assistance to a Person with a Disability
It is permissible to ask a person with a disability if they need your assistance. They may say no, as many persons with disabilities prefer to function independently. If they say yes to your offer, your next question should be, "how may I assist you"? Taking guidance from the person with the disability will help make your efforts more effective.
Wheelchairs
When interacting with a person with a wheelchair, do not lean on or touch their wheelchair. Their wheelchair is an extension of their body and part of their personal space. When possible, it is helpful to sit next to them, thus adjusting or eye level to theirs, therefore, avoiding the difficulty inherent to them in continually looking up.
Customer Service Situations
In customer service situations, speak directly to the person with the disability; never make inquiries to their companion regarding what service the person with the disability is requesting. When dining with a companion who is blind it is appropriate to orient them to their meal upon the delivery. This is done by saying "you have an open-faced sandwich on the left side of your plate with French fried on the right and your coffee is at 10:00". This simple statement typically assists the person in creating a more comfortable dining experience.
Service Animals
Many people with disabilities use service animals. Never touch, distract or feed the service animal without first obtaining the permission from its owner. The service animal is working when you encounter it. Distracting it can decrease its performance and create disciplinary problems for its owner.