Awareness
Our beliefs and attitudes about disability are a product of our personal experiences, education and media exposure. It is important for each individual to examine his or her perceptions and be aware of how these may influence our actions.
Greater numbers of students with disabilities are attending colleges and universities due to increased medical advances, growth in adaptive technology, a changing job market and greater student and family awareness regarding legislative protection. Over half of students with disabilities in colleges and universities have hidden disabilities. A growing percentage of students with hidden disabilities are first diagnosed in college.
Common Misconceptions
- People with disabilities cannot be successful.
- Students with learning disabilities are unmotivated.
- Anyone who uses a wheelchair is chronically ill or sickly.
- People with disabilities are more comfortable with their "own kind."
- Individuals with speech impairments also have cognitive deficits.
- People with disabilities are always in need of "special" help.
Guidelines for Talking about Disabilities
- Refer to a person's disability only if it is relevant.
- Do not portray people with disabilities as overly courageous, brave or special.
- Use People First Language. Place the person before the disability. This promotes equality for all.
Using People First Language... And Words with Dignity
| Respectful Terms | Avoid These Labels |
|---|---|
| Person with a disability | Handicapped ... Invalid |
| Individual that has cerebral palsy | Victim ... Afflicted with C.P. |
| She uses a wheelchair | She is restricted or confined to a wheelchair ... wheelchair bound |
| He is deaf ... does not voice for himself ... nonvocal | He is a deaf mute ... deaf and dumb |
| She has been disabled since birth | Birth defect |
| He has a psychiatric disability ... emotional disorder ... mental illness | He is crazy ... insane ... mental patient |
| My aunt has epilepsy ... seizures | My aunt has fits |
| He is a student with a learning disability ... Attention Deficit Disorder | The student is slow ... retarded ... lazy ... stupid ... underachiever |
| A person without a disability | A normal or healthy person |
| Steve has a mobility impairment | Steve is crippled and lame |
| Tonya has quadriplegia | Tonya is a quadriplegic |
| Accessible parking | Handicapped parking |
Interaction Tips
- Do not be afraid to make a mistake when meeting and communicating with someone with a disability.
- Keep in mind that a person who has a disability is a person and like you, they are entitled to the dignity, consideration, respect and rights you expect for yourself.
- When introduced to someone with a disability, it is OK to offer to shake hands.
- Use a normal tone of voice unless requested to speak louder.
- Look and speak directly to the person with a disability even if an interpreter or companion is present.
- When addressing a person in a wheelchair, try to situate yourself at eye level.
- Offer assistance in a dignified manner with sensitivity and respect. If the person declines your assistance, do not insist. If you don't know what to do, ask how you can help and follow the student's directions.
- Treat adults in a manner befitting adults.