Relating Tips

You may be a bit unsure about how to interact with people with disabilities. It is human nature to feel uneasy when meeting anyone who is different.

As a person with a disability, do I find it annoying and frustrating that I need to cover how people with disabilities should be treated? Yes, but human nature is human nature. We just don't know how to react in situations where we have no experience. Instead of being totally insulted, I choose to educate. After all, I truly believe that people don't intentionally treat me differently: They just don't know any better.

 Here are some tips to help overcome any uncomfortableness you may feel when meeting people with disabilities:

The most important thing is to realize people are more than their disabilities. This means realizing that people with disabilities-no matter what level of disability- have much to offer. They have dreams, talents, and goals. God has a purpose for everyone.

Treat adults with disabilities as adults.

Help children with disabilities feel as special and important as other children.

Offer assistance before assuming help is needed.

When addressing a person with a disability, please address that person and not his or her companions.

Be mindful of service animals. When they are in public, they are working and should not be disturbed.
 
When communicating with someone with a speech impairment, be patient and don’t assume he or she has a cognitive disability.

When meeting a person with a mental illness (such as bipolar), don't assume that this person is violent or dangerous.

It is ok to use words such as “walk” and “see” when speaking with people with disabilities. For example, it is not offensive to tell a person who is blind, “I will see you later.”
 
When praying for healing within the American culture, it is important to have a relationship with that person. The reason is simple. People with disabilities need to know they are loved first and are not seen as people who just need to be fixed.

The bottom line is treat people, whether they have disabilities or not, with respect and dignity. This is the key to forming good, strong relationships.