How to Show Respect and Care for a Handicapped Person
Many people feel uncomfortable around disabled people, not because of the disability, but because they don't know how to behave when in the presence of a disabled person. You need to view the disabled person as any other person and avoid judging or assuming anything about the disability. The disabled person is a valid person worthy of your respect and care.
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Instructions
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Do not assume anything about a disabled person. Just because a person is in a wheelchair does not mean he or she is paralyzed. There are people who have heart conditions or other physical conditions that do not allow them to walk very far. If a person has a speech or body impediment, it does not mean his brain is also impaired.
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Greet a person with a disability by smiling and offering a spoken greeting. Sometimes a handshake is appropriate but it depends on the disability and there are times when it is not appropriate. There is nothing wrong with asking the person if she would like to shake hands.
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Speak directly to the disabled person; do not speak solely to the person accompanying him or her. Avoid speaking about the person's disability. If you have to ask, then be sensitive. Don't persist in speaking about the disability if it bothers the person. If the person is an adult, treat him as such, and do not patronize him. Always look directly at the disabled person when speaking to him.
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Be patient with people who have speech disabilities and pay attention to what they are saying. Don't pretend to understand the person when you don't. Ask them politely to repeat or restate what they said. If necessary, offer them pen and paper and explain that you are having a difficult time understanding.
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Keep a safe distance from the wheelchair, if the person is wheelchair-bound. Don't lean or stand on it, place a foot on it or hold it, unless asked to by the disabled person. The wheelchair is part of their personal space. The same holds true for crutches, walkers and canes.
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If the disabled person is visiting your home or office, rearrange the furniture so the wheelchair has access to areas prior to the person's arrival.
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Do not become impatient when offering assistance and when you offer, wait for it to be accepted.
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Never park in handicapped areas, occupy seats on trains or buses reserved for the handicapped or use disabled bathroom facilities. Even though you might think no one will use those facilities in the few minutes you are there, a disabled person may arrive at that exact moment and need those facilities immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
If a person has a guide dog, do not attempt to pet it, distract it or play with it.
References
- Photo Credit handicap image by silonos from Fotolia.com
