How To Act Around A Disabled Person

by Nate Woogen

Some people feel uncomfortable when talking to a disabled person. They don’t know how to act. The truth is, the disabled person feels just as uncomfortable when they see the person staring at a piece of equipment (e.g. wheelchair, brace, fake limb.) I am here to help you figure out how to act around a disabled person.

Introducing yourself to a disabled person is no different than introducing yourself to anybody else. For example, when you introducing yourself to someone, you don’t say “Hi, my name is Joe. Why you so bad at math?” The same is with disabled person. Don’t say “ Hi, my name is Joe. What happened to your legs?” Substitute it for, “Hi, my name is Joe. Who are you?” Does this mean you will never know what happened to him or her? Not necessarily. A few disabled people will tell you. But mostly, they will be on the shy side about it. Don’t get me wrong. A lot of disabled people will be out-going and adventurous. They just don’t voluntarily tell you about their disability. They feel that if the person likes them, why bother hurting their chances. I mean, what would you do in the situation? But, if you like a person, would you decide not to be their friend anymore because they ask about you? Of course not. Chances are, most disabled people would tell you without a second thought. They have the answers memorized, like if someone asked you what your favorite color is.

You’re asking me how to play with your friends? God, what has the world come to? Treat him like you would anyone else. A person is a person. Don’t point out his disability to him every moment of the day. In fact, don’t mention it at all. The only way you should point it out is if you someone is teasing him about it. Then you should stand up to him. I have had many failed friendships because someone was asking too many questions about it.

Of course not. Some people you like and some you don’t. But think. It’s okay to not like a disabled person as long as you don’t like his character. But it’s not okay to not like a disabled person if you think he’s too slow, or dumb because of physical/mental disability. Think before you get mad. If you have any questions, email me at polarbearboy@verizon.net.

by Kayla Tsukino

Remember first and for most, who you are talking to online, weather it be through an IM program or E-mail, the person on the other side CAN"T see you, and you CAN"T see them. So when chatting keep that in mind. Disabled people DO use the internet belive it or not, so keep some things in mind. It is inportant not to do some of the following:

1. Don't push people if they don't want to share a picture, or don't want to see yours. Keep in mind, the person you are talking to May NOT see, so pushing them often hurts them, so don't do it.

2. Be patient. Some people may use things like screen reading softwhere, or screen enlarging softwhare. This enables them to use the computer, but it doesn't mean they can do 10 things at once. If your talking on an instant messenger don't im them every ten seconds, assume they may be trying to do two or three things. Keep your text short, it can get overwelming if you fill up the text screen.

3. Refrain from using Net speak, as much as possible. Keep abravations to a minium (this includes smilies) It can be difficult when you cut corners for those using a Braille display. In some cases some of them may only know a little braille and wouldn't recognize a letter sign if it were there. and with words like ur, a letter sign is not pressent. In braille a lot of words and leter conbos mean different things. So be considerate when someone says they may be having trouble.

4. Don't be so quick to Judge. (this includes out in the real world.) If someone tellls you they have a disablity, don't laugh at them, make them feel bad, and try to be as understanding as possible. They have it hard enough as it is, and to be told they are basically lying when they didn't have to say in the first place is the worst thing a person can do to another disabled or not. This even means the saying everyone dreds but is true. "Looks can be deceiving."

A couple more things that are kinda un-related. Yet, at the same time I feel are important. Quite often, with many disiblities the signs aren't always there. For example, a person wharing a sunglasses that seem a little big, does not mean they are Blind. Or someone in a wheelchair, isn't necearrly parylized from the waist down. Same goes Someone walking down the street with nothing, MAY be blind or may not be, are we to judge? Treat people the same you would expect to be treated.

When Should I Start: An Article For Parents and Teachers On How and When To Start Disability Education

by Kathleen Downes

You've probably never thought about it, but disability education is just as important as telling your children that discrimination and prejudice is wrong. Many adults overlook it, but it needs to be taught. If it isn't, your child could grow up being the one that points at disabled people, fears them, or discriminates against them. As a responsible adult, you can prevent it. If you guide your child away from this type of attitude, chances are that by the time they are older, they will have seen a disabled kid before, and treat them equally. You may be wondering, "When should I start?" The answer to this is never hesitate to start young. Children as young as three and four are intelligent enough to understand the subject. To start, if you see a disabled citizen, explain that it is not nice to stare and point. Make sure it is clear that it is only acceptable to question the person if you ask nicely and the person is open to questions. Also, make sure your child understands that the citizen is still a person, and does activities and has interests. Another important step is to remind your child that disabled people use the same terms they do, and they shouldn't feel shy about using words like walk, run, or jump. When your child is talking to a disabled person, tell them to talk about other things, and not to constantly bring up the disability. Also, explain that kids can have senses of humor about disabilities and medical equipment, they just have to be sure that jokes don't turn mean. Familiarize your child with medical equipment, such as a power wheelchair, so they aren't afraid if they see one. Use correct terms. Discourage the use of words like cripple or spastic, they aren't politically correct. If your child is really interested, research a disability. There are plenty of kid friendly sites for this, such as kidshealth.org. Follow the same etiquette you have set for your child, for example, don't park in designated handicapped parking spaces if you don't have a pass. Also, tell your child not to offer too much help. Helping is great, but if you give too much, the person may long for a chance at independence. You never can underestimate what the disabled child can achieve. Show disabled people who reached a goal or became famous. This shows that disabled kids can have a future. One extra important rule is to be easygoing with the disabled person, but if something serious occurs, get an adult. (Example: If a disabled kid falls, do not try to lift them. Find an adult.) These are some basic rules to have a child who is friendly towards disabled kids. Remember, if you haven't made sure that your child understands disabilities, don't wait.

Tips for starting to discuss disabilities

1. Read a book about a disabled person

2. If you see a disabled person in public, start the conversation later.

3. Find a story, poem, etc. written by a disabled person.

4. Watch a program on television, such as the Paralympics. If you live in the US, The Learning Channel also has some good shows about disabilities, such as Little People, Big World.

5. Show a website about disabilities to the child.

6. Include this in dinnertime conversations.

7. If you know a disabled person, casually ask if your child understands that the person is "different". These tips and more will help your child in their understanding of disabilities.