Disability Etiquette: Respectful Ways to Interact with Persons with Disabilities

Disability etiquette is about treating persons with disabilities with dignity, respect, equality and understanding. It is not about being afraid of making mistakes — it is about communicating respectfully, avoiding assumptions, and recognizing that every person is different. Disability etiquette is ultimately about recognizing that persons with disabilities are individuals first, with their own preferences, abilities, identities and choices.

1.Treat the Person, Not the Disability

• Speak directly to the person with a disability, rather than speaking through a family member, caregiver or interpreter.
• Treat adults as adults.
• Focus on the person's abilities, interests and preferences rather than their disability.
• Avoid making assumptions about what a person can or cannot do.

2.Ask Before Offering Assistance

Do not automatically help someone simply because they have a disability. Instead, ask: "Would you like some assistance?" If they say yes, ask how you can help and follow their instructions. If they say no, respect their decision.

3.Communicating with Persons with Physical Disabilities

• Do not lean on, push or hang personal belongings on someone's wheelchair — it is part of their personal space.
• When having a long conversation with someone who uses a wheelchair, consider sitting or positioning yourself so you can communicate comfortably at eye level.
• Keep ramps, accessible entrances and pathways clear.
• Never move someone's wheelchair or mobility aid without permission.

4.Communicating with Persons with Hearing Impairment

• Face the person when speaking, and keep your face visible.
• Speak clearly at a normal pace — shouting is usually unnecessary.
• If the person uses sign language, communicate through their interpreter when appropriate, while still addressing the person directly.
• Use written communication if it makes things easier, and make sure important videos have captions.

5.Communicating with Persons with Visual Impairments

• Identify yourself when approaching, and speak directly to them rather than to a companion.
• If you are leaving, let them know rather than silently walking away.
• When giving directions, use specific descriptions such as "the door is about three metres to your left" rather than pointing.
• Do not grab or pull someone's arm or guide dog without permission.

6.Communicating with Persons with Speech or Communication Disabilities

• Give the person enough time to communicate, and listen patiently without finishing their sentences.
• Do not pretend to understand if you do not — politely ask them to repeat or communicate another way.
• Use writing, pictures, gestures, communication boards, or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) when appropriate.
• Remember that difficulty speaking does not mean difficulty understanding.

7.Communicating with Persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

• Use clear and respectful language, and give the person enough time to understand and respond.
• Speak directly to the person rather than automatically addressing their caregiver.
• Do not treat an adult like a child — ask what communication or support works best for them.

8.Respect Personal Space and Assistive Devices

Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids, communication devices, and service animals are part of a person's independence.

• Never touch or use someone's assistive device without permission.
• Do not distract or feed a service animal while it is working.
• Respect personal space around mobility and communication equipment.

9.Use Respectful Language

Language should emphasize the person rather than stereotypes or limitations. Prefer terms like "person with disability," "person using a wheelchair," "person with visual impairment," "person with hearing impairment," or "person with psychosocial disability."

Language preferences differ among individuals and communities. When possible, use the terminology a person prefers.

10.Do Not Make Assumptions

A person with a disability may or may not need assistance, and may have visible or non-visible disabilities. Avoid assumptions about their abilities, intelligence, health, independence, need for assistance, what caused their disability, or whether they want to discuss it.

11.Respect Privacy

A person's disability is personal information. Avoid intrusive questions such as "What happened to you?" or "What is wrong with you?" If a person chooses to discuss their disability, listen respectfully and let them decide how much to share.

12.Disability Etiquette in the Workplace

• Provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.
• Make meetings, training and digital documents accessible.
• Keep accessible routes clear and communicate directly with employees with disabilities.
• Focus on performance and qualifications rather than stereotypes, and prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination.

13.Disability Etiquette Online

• Use descriptive alternative text for meaningful images, and caption videos.
• Use readable text, sufficient color contrast, and clear headings and links.
• Ensure websites can be navigated using a keyboard, and avoid inaccessible PDFs.
• Provide accessible contact and feedback options.