Barrier-Free World
This is an extremely broad category and there are many characteristics and reasons
that cause physical disabilities. The most important points to remember are:
What you should know:
that cause physical disabilities. The most important points to remember are:
- Ask if you aren't sure or if you think someone needs your assistance. Don't
assume. - People-first terminology gives respect to the audience or person you are referring
to.
What you should know:
- Some disabilities are caused by disease; others are caused by injury, or surgery.
Sometimes a person is born with a disability.
- Some people have multiple disabilities. Anyone who has a diagnosis of
"syndrome" usually is an indication of multiple conditions coming together to
create a single diagnosis (this is also true for neurological disorders).
- People with mobility related disabilities may use canes, crutches, walkers,
wheelchairs, scooters, or braces to help ambulate. But remember, not everyone
with a disability uses an assistive device, and if they do, its not always a
wheelchair.
- Some people are able to walk but are restricted in their movement - for example, a
person may experience difficulty bending or reaching.
- Physical impairments must last at least 6 months to be considered a disability.
Therefore a person with a broken leg is not considered to be a person with a
disability.
- Some disabilities are progressive conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, or
Muscular Dystrophy, while others are non-progressive, such as quadriplegia.
- Do not assume that person using a wheelchair cannot walk.
- Do not assume that a person using a wheelchair will remain in the chair when they
are going to sit a t a table or desk. Ask before removing a chair from the table.
- Never lean on or sit in a person's wheelchair or scooter. This is their personal
space.
- When speaking to someone who uses a wheelchair or scooter, place yourself at
his/her eye level -- get a chair and sit down. It is very uncomfortable for a person
seated in a wheelchair to look up at you for an extended period of time. If you are
unable to find a chair and cannot physically crouch down, then make sure you are
positioned far enough away from the person that they are not straining their neck
to see you.
- Position yourself directly in front of a person seated in a wheelchair so they can
see you without having to move their head -- for some, this might be physically
impossible or painful.
- When speaking with someone who uses a cane, crutch, walker, or who appears to
have a balance issues, offer them a chair to sit in. In retail settings it is always
good customer service to have additional seating so that a person can sit while
being served or while waiting in line.
- It is a good idea to have seating available near the door to your place of
business. This provides a person with a disability (or someone who is elderly) a
place to sit while waiting for their ride. Ideally the seat should be in a location that
the person can view the passenger pick-up area if they are waiting for a ride.
- Speak in a normal voice -- don't shout!
- If you meet a person with a physical disability it is still appropriate to shake hands
with the individual if that is how you greet others. Depending on the nature of
their disability, they may extend their opposite hand to greet you. If a person is
unable to move their arm, it is appropriate to gently place your hand on theirs
briefly in the same gesture as a handshake. Do not be afraid to make physical
contact with the person. You cannot catch a disability.
- It is not appropriate to pat a person on their head. [One colleague of mine
mentioned this happened to him frequently.]
| Physical Disabilities |
| We are continuously updating this site. If you have suggestions or questions please email us at info@sterlingfrazer.com |
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