General rules of etiquette when dealing with people with disabilities

There are general rules of etiquette when dealing with people with disabilities, which can be used, depending on the specific situation:

1. Addressing a person: when you talk to people with disabilities, address them directly, and not to the accompanying person or sign language interpreter who are present during the conversation.
2. Handshake: when you are introduced to people with disabilities, it is quite natural to shake hands with them: even those who find it difficult to move their arm or who use a prosthesis may well shake hands — right or left, which is quite acceptable.
3. Identify yourself and others: when you meet a person who does not see well or at all, be sure to identify yourself and those people who came with you. If you are having a general conversation in a group, do not forget to explain who you are currently addressing and identify yourself.
4. Offer of help: If you offer help, wait until it is accepted, and then ask what to do and how to do it.
5. Adequacy and politeness: treat adults with disabilities as adults. Address them by their first name and by your first name only if you are well acquainted.
6. Do not lean on a wheelchair: leaning or hanging on someone's wheelchair is the same as leaning or hanging on its owner, and this is also annoying. A wheelchair is a part of the untouchable space of the person who uses it.
7. Mindfulness and patience: When you talk to a person who is having difficulty communicating, listen to them carefully. Be patient, wait for the person to finish the sentence himself. Don't correct him or finish the sentence for him. Never pretend that you understand if you really don't. Repeat what you have understood, this will help the person to answer you, and you will understand him.
8. Location for conversation: when you talk to a person using a wheelchair or crutches, position yourself so that your eyes and his are on the same level, then it will be easier for you to talk. When talking to those who can lip-read, position yourself so that the light falls on you and you are clearly visible, try not to interfere with anything (food, hands, other objects).
9. Attracting a person's attention: to attract the attention of a person who is hard of hearing, wave your hand or pat him on the shoulder. Look him straight in the eye and speak clearly, but keep in mind that not all people who are hard of hearing can lip-read.
10. Do not be embarrassed if you accidentally make a mistake by saying "See you later" or "Have you heard about this...?" to someone who cannot see or hear.