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UNotes

Disabilities Acceptance Month

October 08, 2021
Submitted By: Disabilities Affinity Network

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The University of Hartford Disabilities Affinity Network continues to celebrate NDEAM this week focusing on the topic of Acceptance & Inclusion.

One way to ensure inclusion and acceptance is to learn how to communicate with and about individuals with disabilities.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Person-first language is the best place to start when talking to a person with a disability.
    • For example, “a person who …” or “a person with …”
  • If you are unsure, ask the person how he or she would like to be described.
  • It is important to remember that preferences can vary.
  • Don’t assume a person needs assistance, always ask before providing assistance.
  • Don’t touch a person’s disability equipment or service animal.
  • Identify yourself when approaching individuals who are blind or low vision.
  • Get the attention of a person who is deaf or hard of hearing before you start speaking by waiving your hand, tapping them on the shoulder, or through some other appropriate gesture.
  • Speak to the person using a sign language interpreter, not to the interpreter.

Remember, not all disabilities are visible. Always respect individual differences and avoid stereotypes and assumptions. 

More information about disability etiquette can be found at the links below:

https://disabilityin.org/resource/disability-etiquette/

https://askjan.org/topics/disetiq.cfm

This Unote is sponsored by the UHart Disabilities Affinity Network. This Affinity Network is open to all University employees. We meet monthly.  

For questions about the Disabilities Affinity Network contact co-chairs Ben Ide bide@hartford.edu or Dave Stender stender@hartford.edu