Etiquette for Use with People Who Have an Invisible Disability

When you are with a person who has an invisible disability:

Don't refuse to believe what you cannot see by doubting a person's truthfulness.
People do not like to always have to identify themselves as a person with a disability. When planning an event, add a note about accessibility needs with a direct number to a real person. That opens the door for the person to reach out and not feel like they are imposing.
The best tactic is to simply talk to a person and ask what they can and cannot do.
Always assume there is a person with a hidden disability in a group. So always say "Rise if you are willing and able," and always plan quick stretch breaks every 30-45 minutes.
If a person says they cannot do something, don't try to coax or cajole or convince them to try anyway.
Invite partial participation, and ask what you can do to make participation possible.
A hearing impairment is a hidden disability; always assume there is a person in your group with hearing loss so face your audience.
Don't judge another person's pain or limitations; accept as true what the person tells you.

For more information contact access @ uua.org.

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Last updated on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

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