About NRCS

Interaction Tips

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Ghandi

Here are a few more tips you can use to improve your interaction with people with disabilities:

Ask before providing any help. Help only if the person asks for it, or if you see danger. Remember, everyone, including people with disabilities, wants to be treated with respect.
To guide someone who is visually impaired, let them hold your arm. Never guide by pulling a white cane or a guide dog's harness. When showing a chair to someone who doesn't see, put their hand on the back of the chair. It's OK to say, "see you later" or ask if someone "saw" a show on TV. These phrases are part of our language and you will generally not offend a person with a visual disability by using them.
Sit when talking to someone who uses a wheelchair. Keep the area free of obstacles. Never push someone's wheelchair unless they ask you to.
Someone with a hearing impairment may want to read your lips. Speak slowly and carefully. Try to learn some sign language; it's a courtesy. Remember, you can also use a pen and paper.
If someone has a speech impairment, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat. Be flexible with your language; if one word doesn't work, try another.
People with mental impairments can respond to questions and follow directions. Speak in a normal voice. Don't use complex sentences.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's the only way to learn. People with disabilities are generally used to questions and don't mind answering them.