Etiquette Tips

• Use person first language such as “he has Autism” no “He’s Autistic”.
• Don’t assume if you can’t see a disability it doesn’t exist. Not all disabilities are visible.
• Ask before assisting someone and wait for their instructions.
• When talking to a person with a sign language interpreter or other support provider, address the person directly.
• Be patient with those who take extra time to communicate. Do not speak for them or assume they have an intellectual disability.
• The person themselves is the best judge of what they can and cannot do. Involve people with disabilities in their academic/life decisions.

Disability Microaggressions

• You are so inspiring.
• You, have a disability?
• You look so normal.
• You’re young, you’ll heal.
• ADHD isn’t real. You just need to work harder.
• You don’t need Proctoring, take your test in class.
• We all have some kind of disability.
• Extended time isn’t fair to the other students.
• If you try harder you will overcome your problems.
• He has a mental illness? Is he dangerous?
• What happened to you?
• Avoiding eye contact
• Let me do that for you.
• I have one of your students.
• Talking around but not to the student.