Many disabilities are not apparent which means that you may not know you are interacting with an individual with a disability.  You may not know that the person you are speaking with has a learning disability or that they have a psychological or psychiatric disability.  You want to speak to, and treat, an individual with a disability the same way you want to be spoken to and treated - with respect.  General etiquette tips:

• Make eye contact
• Be aware of body language
• Listen attentively
• Introduce yourself and offer to shake hands
• Do not make assumptions about a person's abilities
• It is okay to use common expressions that seem to relate to disabilities.  Phrases such as, "See you later" and "Did you hear that?" are not considered offensive
• Offer assistance if you are so inclined.  However, be prepared to have the offer declined.  If your offer is accepted, ask for, listen to, and accept instructions from the individual.  Do not proceed to assist if your offer is declined.

Regardless of disability, you always want to interact with people in a respectful way.  If you are speaking or interacting with an individual with an apparent disability (the individual is blind or has low vision, is deaf, or has a mobility limitation), there are some additional things to keep in mind that will make those interactions and communications more effective.  These additional tips are dependent on the type of disability.

We'll look at these additional etiquette tips in the following sections.