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Disability Services

When You Meet Someone With A Disability

  1. Remember that an individual with a disability is like anyone else, except for the special limitations of the disability.
  2. Be yourself when you meet an individual with a disability, and talk about the same things as you would with anyone else.
  3. You may offer your assistance to the individual, but provide help only when requested. Do not assume that a person with a disability needs your help, and do not provide help before it is accepted.
  4. Be patient. Let the individual set his/her own pace in walking or talking.
  5. Avoid being over-protective or over-solicitous, and don't assume an attitude of pity or charity.
  6. Don't separate an individual with a disability from his/her wheelchair or crutches unless she/he asks you to do so. She/he may want them within reach.
  7. Avoid making assumptions about the skills or deficiencies of an individual with a disability.
  8. Talk directly to an individual with a disability, not to someone accompanying him/her.
  9. Don't assume that an individual with a disability has other limitations, i.e. don't raise your voice when speaking to a visually impaired person.
  10. Often, the most difficult aspect of living with a disability is the negative attitudes of others. It is important for faculty and staff to be aware of this situation when working with a student with a disability. These students may feel uncomfortable discussing their disability with faculty or staff, especially if they are new to UW-SP.
  11. When discussing a student's disability and accommodation needs, talk only about needs that are relevant to the successful completion of course work.
  12. Don't ask a question you would not want to answer yourself.