How do you ask someone about their disability?

Using matter-of-fact language is the best way to handle it. Ask about the specific thing (like “May I ask about your ADHD?”) or use the word “disability.” Questions like “What’s wrong with you?” can come off as insensitive. Questions like “May I ask what your disability is?” is much more polite and neutral in tone.

What do you ask someone in a wheelchair?

If you would like to help someone in a wheelchair, always ask if they actually need the assistance first. By phrasing your question with a “may I” or “can I,” it assures them that you are asking for their permission before going ahead with any help that they may or may not need.

What are some questions to ask a disabled person?

Types of questions you can ask “Will you need any special work arrangements so you can do your job?” “Will you need any changes to be made here in the workplace?” “Have you got ideas about good ways to do your job?” “Do you have ideas for making your workplace safe?”

Can you ask people about their disability?

The law places strict limits on employers when it comes to asking any job applicants to answer disability-related questions, take a medical exam, or identify a disability. For example, an employer may not ask a job applicant to answer disability-related questions or take a medical exam before extending a job offer.

How do you ask a disabled person if they need help?

Just because someone has a disability, do not assume they need help. Do not give assistance without asking first if they want it. You can ask if the person would like help, but don’t ask repeatedly or qualify their response with “are you sure?” Respect someone’s choice even if it looks like they’re struggling.

What do you say to someone who is disabled?

It is not unusual for someone with a disability to have talents, skills, and abilities. It is okay to use words or phrases such as “disabled,” “disability,” or “people with disabilities” when talking about disability issues. Ask the people you are with which term they prefer if they have a disability.

How do you ask accessibility questions?

Documentation questions

1. Do you have accessibility documentation about your product?
2. Are the supported accessibility features in your product listed and explained?
3. Are the documents publicly accessible? May I have the URL to them? What format are they in?

What to say when someone tells you they are in a wheelchair?

Try saying something like:

1. “I had no idea. Thanks for sharing that with me.”
2. “That’s not easy. Let me know if I can do anything to help.”
3. “I know this isn’t the same, but I also suffer from…”
4. “How are you holding up these days?”

How do you communicate with a disabled person?

Communicating with people with disabilities

1. use a normal tone of voice—do not raise your voice unless asked to.
2. be polite and patient—do not rush the conversation.
3. speak directly to the person rather than the person with them.
4. ask the person what will help with communication—there are different ways to communicate.

How do you talk to someone who is in a wheelchair?

If you would like to converse with someone in a wheelchair, it would help if you can find a place to sit down and talk at eye level, and be straight in front of the person so he or she doesn’t have to turn to see you. Don’t ignore people in wheelchairs as if they are invisible, and don’t look away from them as you pass by.

How can we help people who use wheelchairs?

Focus on the person, not on his or her disability. People who use wheelchairs have varying capabilities. Some person who use wheelchairs can walk with aid or for short distances. They use wheelchairs because they help them to conserve energy and to move about with greater efficiency.

What are some ways to avoid disrespecting a wheelchair user?

Don’t disrespect a wheelchair user by speaking to the caregiver instead of them – especially not about them. Don’t make assumptions about why a person is using a wheelchair. Many, if not most, wheelchair users are not paralyzed and can get up if they need to. Avoid patting a person on the head or touching his/her wheelchair, scooter or cane.

What do you do when you bump into a disabled person?

They do not want to be treated like an invisible person, avoided entirely or stared at. They do not want to be talked down to. If you accidentally bump into a disabled person, just apologize. Some people are not paralyzed and have feelings in their body, arms and legs. If you pass a person with a disability, give him or her a big smile.