Many have learned that......

• A person who hears less may see more.
• One who sees less may perceive more.
• One who speaks slowly may have more to say.
• A person who moves with difficulty may have a clearer sense of direction.

"...But GOD has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." 1 Corinthians 12: 24 b -- 26

Overall Information

• Welcome a person with a disability with the same warm welcome and smile as you will share with all you meet.
• Touch is a very effective communicator of love, concern and understanding.
• "People-first Language" is best when referring to someone with a disability. The person is primary, and the disability is secondary. A "person uses a wheelchair". They are not "wheelchair bound" or "confined to a wheelchair".
• Speak directly to the person who has a disability. Do not use the attendant or companion as the "go-between".
• "Do you need assistance?" Ask the person who has a disability if they need assistance and the best way to assist them. They are the experts! Don't make assumptions that they can / cannot do things.
• "Can you please repeat that?" If the person has speech that is unclear, do not pretend to understand it. Politely ask the person to repeat or clarify. Continue to speak to the person rather than the companion.
• Seat the person with the disability with their family or friends whenever possible. Always allow for at least one person to be seated with them.
• Do not ignore people with disabilities. Acknowledge his or her presence just as you would anyone else. Always make sure they feel included in any activity to the best the situation allows.
• Do not pet or talk to service dogs. They are working, and this is a distraction to their job.
• Do not be afraid to use the words, "see", "look", "walk", "listen". They are not offensive.

Developmental Disabilities

• Treat adults as adults, not as children. Use normal tone of voice.
• Talk to the person directly. Do not go through the companion or caretaker.
• Be patient and flexible.

Hearing Impairments

• Before speaking, tap the person on the elbow and speak face to face. Do not speak to the interpreter.
• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Do not exaggerate or shout.
• Look and speak directly at the person. Speak with natural expression to help in their understanding.
• Do not cover your mouth when speaking.

Mental Illness

• Try to respond with support of the person when unusual behavior occurs. Try to remain nonjudgmental or uncritical.
• Listen and stay positive with the person.
• Allow a person to change location if he or she becomes agitated.

Mobility Impairments

• Wheelchairs provide mobility and freedom. Embrace the gift.
• Be at eye level when speaking with a person in a wheelchair.
• Be respectful. A wheelchair is a part of his or her space. Do not lean on it or move it without permission.
• If a person is able to get out of their wheelchair and sit or stand for a period of time, do not remove the wheelchair out of their reach.
• Always ask if the person if they would like or are in need of assistance before you help. If directions are given, follow them implicitly.

Speech Impairments

• Give whole, unhurried attention to the person who has difficulty speaking.
• Do not pretend to understand if you don't. Ask for clarification, and be patient.
• Utilize other means of communication, only if helpful, such as writing or an assistive devise.

Visual Impairments

• Identify yourself when greeting someone with a visual impairment. Use their name to get their attention. When having a conversation in a group, identify people by name when speaking.
• Explain where things are located to a person with limited vision.
• Provide enough room if a person with visual impairments uses a guide dog.
• Give verbal descriptions and clues as to what is ahead if guiding someone. Alert the person to doors, curbs, steps and other objects.
• When you are leaving, let the person know.

**Portions of content are taken with permission from Joni and Friends Ministry