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Britne Jenke explains disability etiquette: ask before you help someone with a disability, don't assume they need assistance, and let them lead. The core rule is simple: ask first.
Britne Jenke explains disability etiquette: ask before you help someone with a disability, don't assume they need assistance, and let them lead. The core rule is simple: ask first.
Like where you help someone with a disability without asking if they actually need it. So swooping in to help someone with a wheelchair— spoiler alert, they may have had it under control. Or maybe you see someone walking, navigating with a white cane, or trying to open the door while holding a mobility cane. You politely offer your arm. That's great, you asked, but did you wait for their response? Grabbing someone's arm, even with their permission, can be a bit disorient— So the takeaway is this: we can all be champions of inclusion, but let's make sure our help is wanted, not just, "Well, ask before you assumed," and let the disabled person take the lead. Let's talk about respectful language next. Buckle up for some of these cringeworthy classics. We've all heard them, maybe we've accidentally uttered them ourselves, but don't worry, we're all learning.
