Interaction & Etiquette Tips

People with Physical Disabilities

FACTS

The term "physical disabilities" covers a wide range of impairments, including arthritis, difficulty walking long distances, wheelchair users, and people with limited or no use of a limb or limbs.

INTERACTION TIPS

• A wheelchair, prosthesis, a crutch or cane is a part of an individual's "personal space." Do not lean on the wheelchair, push it, or rest your feet on it without permission. Do not play with an individual's crutches or cane.
• Offer assistance before providing assistance. If assistance is accepted, ask for instructions and follow them.
• Address questions, comments, or concerns directly to the individual, not to a person in their presence.
• Sit down at an eye level position whenever possible to facilitate conversation.
• Do not pat a person who uses a wheelchair on the back, shoulder or head.

EXAMPLES OF ACCOMMODATIONS
People with mobility impairments are generally not deaf nor do they have visual or developmental disabilities. The only accommodations necessary relate to mobility issues.

• Clear pathways, doorways, etc., to make the 36" wide for a wheelchair to pass or crutches to be used
• Reserved parking
• Provision of adaptive equipment like reachers, adaptive computer mouses, specially designed chairs, etc.
• Ramps, automatic door openers, lifts, lowered counters, etc.

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