BASIC COURTESIES TOWARDS PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

1. BASIC COURTESIES TOWARDS PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Developing sensitivity to the needs and feelings of persons with disabilities

2. REMOVE ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS!!!Commonly held beliefs, misperceptions, stereotypes against PWDs: • People with disabilities should receive exactly the same treatment protocol as everyone else, so that they aren't singled out as different. Being mainstreamed into society means that you should do exactly the same things as everyone else.. • A person with a disability will make other persons feel uncomfortable. • Serving people with disabilities requires going to extremes. • A person with a disability is a sick person. • People with disabilities make too many demands and use their disability as an excuse for not being responsible. • People with disabilities deserve pity, so they should be allowed more latitude to indulge in whatever kind of behavior or abuse.

3. Showing courtesy to PWDs • When planning an activity, try to select the most disabled-friendly venue. • Be prepared with alternative measures to make up for the inadequacy of the facility or service. • Make sure passages to the venue are not blocked. If so, ensure that help or a remedy is ready. • If a VIP is around, accompany him and orient him thoroughly so he can have a feel of his surroundings. • If an HI is expected or invited, always ensure the presence of 2 or more interpreters, preferably male & female.

4. What makes a good venue for a PWD on crutches & wheelchair? • Toilets & lavatories are clean and disabled-friendly. • No deep-pile carpeting. • Presence of a good wide elevator. • Non-slippery flooring. • Dining tables with deep spaces underneath for the footrest of wheelchair to enter. • Depending on need, a bed for changing diapers. • Supportive staff available. • Emergency exits must be nearby.

6. Showing courtesy to the orthopedically handicapped Do not demand independence, or be surprised that they come with a PA (personal attendant), especially from those who have taken up Independent Living Program Seminars, unless you can assure the safety of the PWD or unless the place is completely barrier-free. Note that tetraplegics and quadriplegics usually need attendant care.

7. Showing courtesy to the orthopedically handicapped • When giving help, always ask how a PWD wants to be helped. • Attempting to help a PWD without his advise or consent may be dangerous. • Be careful especially with those who are paralyzed or have painful and stiff joints.

8. What to watch out for when assisting… • Weak limbs (feet or hands) must not get caught or end up twisted or dragged • Bumping the wheelchair into a threshold • Hitting someone’s leg in front of you when walking • Driving a wheelchair into stony or bumpy areas and digging in the front wheel while raising the handle bars • “Dropping” a wheelchair from a step • Steps ahead of wheelchair • Steep ramps and facing downward • Giving a PWD on a wheelchair a dizzying turn

9. PWDs would appreciate… • Talking at eye-level with non-disabled (Note: Normal, able-bodied, healthy, or whole are inappropriate because they imply that people who are disabled are not these things.) • Signs of parking for PWDs be respected. • Your opening doors for us or holding the button or doors in an elevator until we pass through safely. • Your not playing with the parts of my wheelchair or crutches. (It is part of my body and my personal space.) • People saying “Excuse me!” or “I’m sorry!” when bumping into any part of my mobility aid.

10. PWDs would appreciate… • Being guarded by one arm when being pushed through a crowded place, esp. where there are kids and people with big shoulder bags. • A quiet response to a “leaky” situation of a PWD to spare him embarrassment. • Giving us ample toileting time when making schedules. • Your not sprinkling water from wet hands onto the floor. • Your not using floor wax at all! • Your offer to carry heavy things for us.

11. PWDs would appreciate… • Your not giving us a look of pity (or horror…) or a stare • Tape-recorded lectures or Brailled notes for VIPs • When guiding a VIP, allow him to hold you at your shoulder or elbow and make him aware of coming obstacles and surroundings. (explain further…) • A child/others being taught how to extend courtesy to PWDs. • That you talk to us if it’s about us. Do not talk about us in front of us to our companions or friends as if we were patients.

12. A child with a disability appreciates… • A doctor or social worker to talk with him in a gentle and non-threatening manner, and not only to his parent or guardian in hushed tones while in his presence. • Not being given false assurances of a total cure (short of a miracle!), especially at a certain age. • Plenty of assurance that life with a disability can still be full of hope, happiness and purpose. • His parents/guardian to be given firm and proper guidance and information on how to raise a child with a disability in a nurturing, happy, yet disciplined, environment. • He must be treated with love and respect, not with shame or pity.

13. What you can do as an advocate… • Remind establishments about the laws on the rights of PWDs • Remind them to remove planters on steps that prevent use of the railings • Remind them that PWD toilets must not be used as stock rooms and must be ready at all times. • Educate others in informal settings to remove their fears or prejudices. • Include or consider PWDs in policy and planning. • Consult PWDs in matters concerning them.

14. Nothing about us without us!

15. Genuine sensitivity requires that you always… Put yourself in Thank you and God bless you all. the shoes of the PWD.