Using+Respectful+Language+and+Improving+Interactions

Using Appropriate and Respectful Language
When speaking about groups of visitors with disabilities, it is appropriate--and important--to speak of the person first, not the disability. As respectful reflective practitioners, we strive always to see the whole person, and not to view disability as a limitation. Thus, we create programs for and educate:

People with disabilities People who are deaf or hard of hearing People who are blind or have low vision Wheelchair users People with mobility impairments People with cognitive disabilities People with mental illness People with learning disabilities

We do not use terminology like: The handicapped, the disabled The blind, sightless The hearing impaired, deaf mute Those confined to wheelchairs, wheelchair bound The crippled, the lame The retarded, the mentally deficient schizophrenic (as a generic), the insane dyslexic (as a generic), the retarded

Suggestions to Improve Access and Positive Interactions

 * If a person appears to have little grasping ability, do not be afraid to shake hands.
 * Do not hold on to a person's wheelchair. It is a part of the person's space and touching it or leaning on it are both inappropriate and dangerous.
 * Talk directly to a person using a wheelchair, not to an attendant or third party.
 * During a conversation with a person using a wheelchair, consider sitting down in order to share eye level.
 * Invite people with disabilities to serve on program boards and planning committees.

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