Disability etiquette is the practice of creating an atmosphere of mutual respect where all human beings live peacefully in harmony. The idea of disability etiquette is to create an inclusive society based on promoting goodwill.

Several organizations provide disability support services in Melbourne and propagate the idea of disability etiquette. Here are a few ways you should interact with people with disabilities:

•   Greet them the same way you would greet your family or friends.
•   When you interact with people with disabilities, speak to them how you expect them to talk to you. Please do not speak to their guardian or caretaker.
•   Be respectful. Do not act based on your preconceived notions or stereotypes about disabled people.
•   Respect their privacy. Do not ask them unnecessary questions about disabilities. If they want to share, they will do it themselves. Give them their space. Ask about their disabilities only if it is relevant to the situation.
•   Be patient. There might be some disabled people who need time to gather their thoughts and speak. Give them time to do that.
•   Do not assume that a disabled person will need your help. Only help once they ask you for a helping hand.

Words are powerful tools, so it is essential to ensure you use them wisely. Make sure you use respectful terminology when talking to disabled people, as words can directly impact the beliefs, feelings, and decisions of human beings. 

Here are a few tips on how to interact with people with specific disabilities:

People with mobility issues

•   It is respectful to be at the eye level of the people when you talk to them. Try to place yourself at eye level with the disabled person you are speaking with.
•   The mobility device is a part of the personal space of the disabled person. Do not lean or hang on to the disabled person’s wheelchair or crutches.
•   Ensure that you keep the limitations of the disabled person, such as stairs and distance, in mind when you give them directions.
•       Do not offer help unless they ask for it. A disabled person will let you know if they want the door open or the chair pulled out.

People with hearing problems

•   It is alright to wave your hand or step into a person’s line of vision if you want their attention.
•   Do not just assume that the person will not be able to hear you at your natural volume. Start speaking at your natural volume.
•   Look in the person’s eye when you talk to them, even if they are using a sign interpreter.
•   If the disabled person cannot understand what you are saying, try some other way to explain things to them instead of raising your volume.
•       Always ask them how they prefer to communicate.
•   If someone also has problems speaking, wait for them to gather their thought and finish speaking.
•       If you face trouble understanding what the disabled person is speaking, it might be a good idea to ask the person to write it down on a piece of paper.

People with visual disability

•   Identify yourself to the person before you start speaking. Let them know when you are leaving the room.
•   If you are speaking to a group of people with visual impairments, identify the person you are addressing and yourself.
•   If someone is used to your house, and you have moved to a different location or changed the furniture’s positioning, ensure you let the person know. Describe the surroundings to them.
•       Do not push or pull the person; always offer your arm and walk slightly ahead or beside the person.