When You Meet A Person With A DisAbility...

*First of all, remember that the person with a disability is a person.

        He or she is like anyone else.

*A disability need not be ignored or denied between friends.

        But, until you are friends, show interest in him/her as a person.

*Be yourself when you meet a person with a disability.

*Talk about the same things you would with anyone else.

*Help the person only when they request it.

        Offer help, but wait for the person to request it before giving it.

*Be patient.

        Let the person with a disability set his/her pace in walking or talking.

*Don't be afraid to laugh with him or her.

*Don't stop and stare when you see a person with a disability you do not know.   

        He/she deserves the same courtesy as anyone else.

*Don't be overprotective or over-solicitous.

        Don't shower the person with a disability with kindness.

*Don't ask embarrassing questions. 

        If the person wants to tell you about their disability they will bring up the subject.

*Don't offer pity or charity.

        He/she wants to be treated as an equal and wants the chance to prove themselves.

*Don't separate a person from his/her wheelchair or adaptive equipment.

        They may want them within reach.

*Don't make up your mind ahead of time about the person with a disability.

        You may be surprised at how wrong you are in judging their interest and abilities.

*Enjoy your friendship with a person who has a disability.

        His/her philosophy and good humor may give you inspiration.