Navigating the Nuances of Politeness and Sensitivity Towards People with Disabilities

Feb 29
04:38

2024

Maura Cullen

Maura Cullen

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In our efforts to be courteous, we often tread a fine line between politeness and inadvertent insensitivity towards individuals with disabilities. This delicate balance is frequently mishandled, leading to social exclusion for those with disabilities. While we're conditioned to avoid staring, this can result in completely overlooking the presence of someone with a disability, rendering them invisible in social contexts. It's crucial to recognize that true politeness encompasses respect, inclusion, and the recognition of each person's dignity.

Understanding the Impact of Our Actions

From a young age,Navigating the Nuances of Politeness and Sensitivity Towards People with Disabilities Articles we're instructed that it's impolite to stare at someone who appears different, including those with disabilities. This lesson, while well-intentioned, can instill a fear of engaging with people with disabilities, leading to avoidance rather than respectful interaction.

The Curiosity of Children

Children, with their innate curiosity, often point and ask questions about individuals with disabilities. The typical adult reaction is to silence the child with a hushed "shhhh," which can instill a sense of fear or shame around the topic. Instead, we should embrace these teachable moments, providing children with straightforward explanations that foster understanding and empathy. For instance, explaining that someone uses a wheelchair due to weakened legs or a condition like cerebral palsy can demystify the situation for a child.

Enhancing Our Interactions

Many people fear making a mistake when interacting with someone with a disability, which can lead to inaction and further isolation for the individual. Here are some guidelines to improve the quality of our interactions:

Greeting with Respect

  • Initiate a greeting as you would with anyone else. A handshake is common, but be prepared to adapt, such as shaking with the left hand if the right is not available.
  • For individuals who are blind, wait for them to extend their hand first.

Communication is Key

  • Speak directly to the person with the disability, even if they have an interpreter or aide.
  • Avoid raising your voice or speaking slowly unless requested, as this can be patronizing.

Relevance of the Disability

  • Mention the disability only if it's pertinent to the conversation.

Common Expressions

  • Use everyday language; saying "see you later" to a person who is blind or "let's go for a walk" to a wheelchair user is generally acceptable.

Presence in Conversation

  • Inform a person who is blind when you enter or exit a conversation.

Offering Assistance

  • Offer help but respect the person's autonomy. Think "assist" rather than "insist."

Respect Personal Space

  • Do not lean on or handle someone's wheelchair without permission.

The Power of Language

Language shapes our perceptions and attitudes. It's essential to prioritize the individual over the disability in our speech. Here's a guide to respectful terminology:

| Outdated or Offensive | Acceptable and Appropriate | | --------------------- | -------------------------- | | Disabled, Handicapped | Person with a disability | | Retarded, Mentally ill | Person with a developmental or cognitive disability | | Hearing impaired | Person who is deaf or hard of hearing | | Visually impaired | Person who is blind or partially sighted | | Confined to a wheelchair, Crippled | Wheelchair user, person who uses a wheelchair | | Midget | Little person, person of short stature | | Normal | Person without a disability, non-disabled |

According to the CDC, 26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability. It's important to note that many disabilities are not immediately apparent, so our words and actions can have a significant impact on a larger portion of the population than we might realize.

The Unseen Consequences of "Politeness"

While most people have good intentions and aim to avoid causing harm, our actions can sometimes have the opposite effect. What we consider polite behavior may lead to making many people feel overlooked or marginalized. The challenge lies in ensuring that our efforts to be nice do not inadvertently contribute to the invisibility of individuals with disabilities.

In conclusion, it's not just about avoiding causing offense; it's about actively fostering an inclusive environment where everyone is acknowledged and respected. By educating ourselves and adjusting our behaviors, we can create a more welcoming society for all.