Occasionally there’s a blog topic I revisit because it is so important, and I want it to stay fresh on everyone’s mind! One of those topics is disability awareness 101. As the public relations assistant at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, one of my duties is to help-out during New Hire Orientation. I teach a session called, Disability Awareness.
I love teaching this session for it gives me an opportunity to engage with new employees and spread awareness about people with disabilities. Everyone at some point will meet a person with a disability, whether it’s a neighbor, friend, classmate, co-worker or family member. My main objective is to make sure everyone knows certain things that are very basic when it comes to people with disabilities.
Would you like it if someone leaned on your car after you got it washed? Just like you probably wouldn’t, I don’t like it when people lean on my scooter! Although, it’s cute, my scooter isn’t a pole and it’s rude for you to lean on it or any other adaptive equipment. Also, remember to never move someone’s equipment for he or she has placed it to make it simple to retrieve. Such equipment was made to assist people so they can be more independent.
No matter how loud you yell, a person who’s deaf or hard of hearing walking down the hall with their back turned from you, is not going to respond. To get their attention, gently tap their shoulder and remember to talk slowly for some people read lips.
Service and seeing eye animals are beautiful but you must refrain from petting them unless you get permission from their handler; they are working. If you distract their attention, the animal may lose focus of what they’re supposed to be doing.
Please do not talk over a person because he or she has a disability. Talking over people no matter their situation as if they don’t exist is just, rude. Remember to talk directly to the person.
If you don’t understand someone with a speech impairment don’t fake like you did! As a person who has a speech impairment, I can say “I want you to understand what I’m saying and if you can’t, ask me to repeat myself”. I don’t find the request of repeating myself offensive at all, but I do when a person pretends what he or she think I’ve said.
Remember, there are disabilities that aren’t visible. Try not to judge if you see someone acting outside of the norm because there’s a possibility that person may have a hidden disability.
I’m happy to say that by the time I’m finished teaching my disability 101 session, the class has a better understanding of people with disabilities and they’re not uncomfortable to ask other questions that they might have wanted to ask before. This makes me proud to be an advocate for persons with disabilities.
Remember, at the end of the day, people with disabilities are people first. Brush-up on things you should know by clicking on this link to a very informative video.
Thank you Shari. The thing that bothers me the most is when Mac and I are walking in a store like the grocery there is always those people that will insist on bumping our feet to try and get us to walk faster. Or the comment of if you can’t walk it go home. I never really noticed it until the last few years when I had to start walking with a walker and a cane. I have always taken the time to offer help when it is needed but I make sure to ask first.
Debbie,
Some people are just rude and don’t know about people with disabilities. Let’s keep spreading awareness and hopefully it will get better. Thanks for the comment.
Wow, Debbie, I had no idea the depth of awful people would get to. Bumping your feet? I think you know me well enough as to what my reaction would be. 😒 Thanks for keeping this in front of the “abled” populace, Coop!
Melissa,
Awareness is key! The more we have good people spreading it, the better. Thanks for being a faithful reader, advocate and most of all, a friend!
As a person with a disabilities, I thank you for keeping our employees disability aware. I agree it can be off putting to have others make assumptions about you. Keep up the good work Shari.
Thanks Tracy!
Another awesome article Shari. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Connie!
This is an excellent reminder and qualifier for people who need to know
Thanks Phil,
Glad you enjoyed it!