Madeline SchwartzWorld Disability Day
December 6th 2007 22:06
World Disability Day* is designated by the United Nations as a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions and the abilities of people with a disability around the world. It's is a time for people with a disability, their friends, families and colleagues to celebrate their diversity.
*Today and always*, let us promote the values of inclusion and equality. What's more, let us challenge perceptions about what people with a disability can and can't do. In addition, let us sit up and bring into focus the needs, concerns and rights of persons with disability. *Remember that the above symbol is indicative of accessibility for people with disability. Wherever you see it, please understand that you need to keep the following in mind:*
· Always Use "Person" First Language
· Examples:
o "person with a disability" not"the disabled"
o "person who is blind" not "a blind person"
o "Disability" is the most generally accepted term--not "handicap"
· Offering Assistance:
o It is okay to offer assistance
o Ask before providing assistance
o Once the offer for assistance has been accepted, ask for instructions and clarify what kind of assistance the person wants.
· Respect all assistive devices (i.e., canes, wheelchairs, crutches, communication boards, service dogs, etc.) as personal property. Unless given specific and explicit permission, do not move, play with, or use them.
· Do not use parking lots that are reserved for the disabled.
· Always direct your communication to the individual with a
disability. If the person is accompanied, do not direct your comments to the
companion.
· Remember that people with disabilities are interested in the same
topics of conversations as people who do not have disabilities.
· Use a normal speaking tone and style. If someone needs you to
speak in a louder voice, they will ask you to do so.
· Remember that people with disabilities, like all people, are
experts on themselves. They know what they like, what they do not like and
what they can and cannot do.
· When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate
to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an
artificial limb can usually shake hands. (Shaking hands with the left hand
is an acceptable greeting.)
· Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by
their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others.
· Always make room for an ambulance to pass. Your concern and courtesy
could save a life of a person who is ill or has a disability.
*Today and always*, let us promote the values of inclusion and equality. What's more, let us challenge perceptions about what people with a disability can and can't do. In addition, let us sit up and bring into focus the needs, concerns and rights of persons with disability. *Remember that the above symbol is indicative of accessibility for people with disability. Wherever you see it, please understand that you need to keep the following in mind:*
· Always Use "Person" First Language
· Examples:
o "person with a disability" not"the disabled"
o "person who is blind" not "a blind person"
o "Disability" is the most generally accepted term--not "handicap"
· Offering Assistance:
o It is okay to offer assistance
o Ask before providing assistance
o Once the offer for assistance has been accepted, ask for instructions and clarify what kind of assistance the person wants.
· Respect all assistive devices (i.e., canes, wheelchairs, crutches, communication boards, service dogs, etc.) as personal property. Unless given specific and explicit permission, do not move, play with, or use them.
· Do not use parking lots that are reserved for the disabled.
· Always direct your communication to the individual with a
disability. If the person is accompanied, do not direct your comments to the
companion.
· Remember that people with disabilities are interested in the same
topics of conversations as people who do not have disabilities.
· Use a normal speaking tone and style. If someone needs you to
speak in a louder voice, they will ask you to do so.
· Remember that people with disabilities, like all people, are
experts on themselves. They know what they like, what they do not like and
what they can and cannot do.
· When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate
to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an
artificial limb can usually shake hands. (Shaking hands with the left hand
is an acceptable greeting.)
· Treat adults as adults. Address people who have disabilities by
their first names only when extending the same familiarity to all others.
· Always make room for an ambulance to pass. Your concern and courtesy
could save a life of a person who is ill or has a disability.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Tracy
Comment by Eve
mindless little girl
o "person who is blind" not "a blind person"
o "Disability" is the most generally accepted term--not "handicap"
This is bullshit. Why do we have to "tread lightly" upon something so obvious.
They should be put down at birth