Give a push only when asked.  Enable people who use crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters to keep their mobility aids within reach, unless they request otherwise.  Be aware of what is and isn’t accessible to people who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers.

People who use wheelchairs may have a variety of disabilities.  Some have use of their arms, and some don’t.  When you meet such a person, extend your hand to shake if that’s what you normally do.  A person who can’t shake your hand will let you know, and he or she will appreciate being treated in a normal way.

Persons with Speech Disabilities

Listen patiently and carefully.  Address persons with speech disabilities as you would anyone else in the same situation.  Don’t complete sentences for a person with a speech disability unless he or she specifically asks you for help.  Don’t pretend you understand what he or she says, just to be polite.  Go to a quiet room if necessary.  Don’t let able-bodied people interrupt a person with a speech disability simply because they talk louder.  If you don’t understand what’s said to you, ask the person to repeat it or to say it a different way.

Keep good eye contact.  If a person with a speech disability is using a trained speech interpreter or relayer, speak to and keep eye contact with the person, not the person interpreting what’s being said.  If the person uses an amplifier or other device, don’t touch it, as that’s part of his or her personal space.

Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

If you need to attract the attention of a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, touch him or her lightly on the shoulder or arm.  When you speak to people who use sign language interpreters, speak to them, not to their interpreters.  Face them so that they can see your lips.  Slow your rate of speech, speak your words clearly, and increase your volume, if requested.  Shouting usually doesn’t help.