- Put people first. Instead of saying “the blind boy,” say “the boy who is blind.”
- Focus on what someone can do, not what he/she can’t do.
- Say “my friend has a disability” rather than “my friend is handicapped.”
- Treat people equally. Don’t feel sorry or go overboard in how you treat people with a disability just to make them “feel better.”
- Give the person a chance to say something or do an activity on his/her own. Like you, he/she has ideas and talents to contribute.
- Wait to offer help until someone is ready or asks for help. Then you can help him/her.
- It’s okay to ask questions when you’re unsure of what to do.
