October was Disability Awareness month, but it’s never too late to mention some helpful tips to help people with disabilities feel welcomed and respected. Remember, a disability is only one aspect of a person’ identity. Disability doesn’t mean inability.
In general, ask individuals with disabilities if they need help before providing them with any kind of assistance. Also, don’t let fear and uncertainty keep you from getting to know fellow students with disabilities.
For people with mobility impairments:
If possible, speak to the person at their eye level.
Make sure the space you are using is accessible.
Difficulty with mobility does not indicate cognitive or hearing difficulty.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing:
Speak directly to the person, regardless of whether they use an interpreter.
Speak slowly and clearly.
For people who are blind or low vision:
Keep walkways clear of obstructions.
Never pet their service animals without permission (they are working).
Difficulty with sight does not mean difficulty with hearing.
For people with Asperger’s Syndrome:
They are often very intelligent but may seem “odd.”
They may have difficulty seeing other points of view.
They often have difficulty maintaining eye contact.
For people with “hidden disabilities” (learning, ADD/ADHD, or psychological):
They do not have a low IQ, but have difficulties with processing information.
They may need to adapt to different strategies to learn material.
If anyone needs more information about people with disabilities and how to support their education, you can contact me at rbeasey@mail.usf.edu or the Student Disability Services office at Terrace 200. We will be moving to the Student Life Center in December.
