7 Points to Remember While Interacting with People Who Suffer from Disabilities

Disabled Person Talking With A Caregiver

When dealing with someone who is suffering from disability, you need to be very careful. A little thing might make them special, and on the contrary, your silly mistake can spoil their day. So, here are some helpful tips to guide you.

Life Isn’t Same For All, Isn’t It?

You will easily find people around who aren’t as capable as you are. Yes, it is about those people who have some kind of disability. And for you the biggest challenge can be getting comfortable with such people. Or better say for making these people get comfortable around you.

So, here are few tips to help interacting with people with disabilities.

Avoid Unnecessary Help:

Well, at times, it may be hard to resist. But you need to be very particular. Helping disabled people without asking first should never be done. You don’t need to grab their jacket or help them getting into their accessible van. Just wait and let them speak up.

Don’t Forget to Introduce Yourself:

Yes, introduction matters a lot. Even if you meet a person who is blind, the most important things you need to do is to introduce yourself. It is because when you first meet someone with vision limitations, introduction should be done in right way. Let them know you are near so that they can better feel their surroundings.

No Need of Special Remarks:

Seriously, people with disabilities don't like being referred to as special or inspirational. Hence, if they can do the basic task in their ways, you don’t need to mention it over and over again. Please try to refrain from sharing those unwanted as your comment will have the negative effect, reminding them how different they are.

Don’t be Louder:

One of the most offensive things you would do when interacting with someone with a disability is talking louder. Hence, when you meet them, speak soft and in lower volume.

Refer to Them as Person First:

Referring to the disabled population as ‘people with disabilities’ is not a good idea. Treat them normally and make sure you prefer "person first" language.

Patronizing is Not Required:

Yes, avoiding patronizing remarks is must when you deal with people with disabilities. Just remember, they are not that different, and you can behave normally. Even if they win a few gold Paralympic medals, or invent a flying wheelchair, you better keep those patronizing remarks away.

Remember the "Golden Rule"

Lastly, when in doubt over how you should treat such people; always refer to the Golden Rule.

It beautifully states i.e. “treat others as you'd like to be treated”.

Yes, mutual respect is the most important thing. Never forget the importance of basic good human interactions and make sure you don’t hurt them.

Hence, if you've recently came to know someone with a disability, and you think meeting such a person would be daunting; following these tips would certainly help. All the best!