Respecting People with Disabilities
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:16)
It is common and acceptable to use labels to describe things that happen in life. An accident or natural disaster may be called a tragedy. A wedding or the birth of a baby may be called a blessing. But using labels to describe individuals or groups of people usually creates negative stereotypes and detracts attention from who a person really is—a child of God with the capability to grow and progress and to experience joy in life.
Words Carry Meaning
Terms considered appropriate often differ from group to group and from generation to generation. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is to consider the person before the disability. For example, a person with a disability is not a “disabled woman” or “handicapped man.” Nor is Sister Smith “disabled” or “handicapped.” Rather, “Sister Smith has a disability,” or “Brother Smith uses a wheelchair.” Even associating the word “problem” with an individual can have a negative connotation. Rather than say, “Tom has a behavior problem,” say, “Tom has autism. A schedule of activities helps him stay focused.”
Just as no one person is like another, no person with a disability is the same as another, even if he or she has the same disability. A disability is a functional limitation that may interfere with a person’s ability to walk, hear, talk, see, think, and learn but does not affect each person in the same way. In addition, some people may have multiple disabilities in varying degrees.
Ways to Help
When speaking or associating with a person with a disability:
- Smile; be yourself.
- Focus on the person’s capabilities. Don’t be so focused on a person’s disability that you don’t see the person.
- Overcome misperceptions by talking with the person with a disability—or with the person’s caregivers, when appropriate—about how you can include the person in activities and what he or she is comfortable with.
- Be respectful. Offer assistance if asked or if the need is obvious. Do not move wheelchairs or other mobility aids without permission from the owner.
- When speaking to a person with a hearing impairment, speak slowly and directly. Be considerate; do not assume a person with a hearing or speech impairment has an intellectual disability.
- Be patient and considerate.
- Be considerate of that person’s feelings when talking to others. Would you want what you are about to say being said about you?
- Remember to speak softly unless the person has a hearing impairment. Speaking loudly does not improve understanding.
For Members with Disabilities, Their Family Members, or Their Caregivers
Be patient as other members learn about disability issues and overcome misperceptions. Realize that most members of the Church are open to guidance on how to help and include those with disabilities. Recognize that others who care may also be prompted on how to help. The Holy Ghost can help family, teachers, and leaders reach out and be helpful.