July 26 is the 31st anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Paula Whitehead, Ballad Health’s non-discrimination coordinator, shares some tips on ways to accommodate our patients and team members with disabilities.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act opened up a whole new world for patients,” said Whitehead, who helps ensure Ballad Health has accommodations for patients and family members who are deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired.
July 26, designated National Disability Independence Day, celebrates 31 years since the monumental law passed in 1990, advancing rights and accessibility for millions of Americans with disabilities. It’s a wonderful time to recognize our community members, patients and team members of different ability levels.
When engaging with those who have disabilities, “Ask the person with the disability what he or she needs. They know better than anyone what accommodations are necessary,” Whitehead said.
Here are some etiquette tips and ways to interact with people who have disabilities suggested by Whitehead and other disability experts:
ASK BEFORE YOU HELP.
Just because someone has a physical disability, don’t automatically assume you know what they need or that they need your assistance. Most of the time, those with certain physical disabilities can navigate the world by themselves. Allow the person to communicate to you when and how they need you to help.
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.
Always speak directly to the person with the disability. Treat them like you would anyone else in conversation. Don’t ask them about their specific disability unless they bring up the topic and are comfortable discussing it.
DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS.
People with disabilities know what they can and cannot do. Don’t make decisions for them about participating in an activity. In some cases, it may be a violation of the ADA to do so.
PUT THE PERSON FIRST.
Say “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person.” Lead with their humanity rather than their disability.
TREAT ADULTS AS ADULTS.
Address people with disabilities as you would any other adult, with respect and politeness. Avoid patronizing or addressing them as you would a child.
RECOGNIZE THAT NOT ALL PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY ARE THE SAME.
Every person is an individual with unique points of view and preferences. Get to know those around you with disabilities and don’t make sweeping judgments about them based on their outward appearance or behavior.
MORE TIPS
For more tips on disability etiquette, visit:
To learn more about the history and significance of the ADA, visit:
