Knowledge

The German Knigge Council has developed the following tips for respectful interaction with people with disabilities:

• Avoid blunt curiosity:
  Do not ask your conversation partner when or why they have a disability. If they wish to share, they will tell you. Staring is also unacceptable. Genuine interest is fine – or explain why you are asking something.
• Offer support – and wait for a response:
  Willingness to help is polite. It is even more polite to wait for a response to your offer. Many people with disabilities can manage their daily lives independently and only require support in specific situations.
• Speak directly to people – not over them:
  Many people with disabilities are surprised when they are overlooked. Do not hesitate to address them directly. When speaking with someone in a wheelchair or with people of short stature, try to maintain eye contact by sitting down. Always address adults, whether they have a disability or not, with respect.
• The interpreter plays a supporting role:
  Even when a sign language interpreter is present, you should look at and address your conversation partner directly. The interpreter plays a supporting role – and they are aware of this.
• Respect personal space:
  It is important for people with disabilities that their personal space is respected. Unsolicited physical contact, such as stroking or patting, is unacceptable, as is moving a wheelchair or relocating a white cane. Assistive devices are very personal to people with disabilities. A guide dog should also not be petted without asking, as it could be distracted from its 'work'.
• Don't be afraid of common idioms:
  People with disabilities are not offended by common idioms. Feel free to say 'Goodbye' to a blind person, and ask a wheelchair user if they would like to 'go for a walk' with you.
• Beware of discrimination:
  Careful language is required when speaking about people with disabilities. The term 'Behinderter' (disabled person) is considered discriminatory. It is correct to speak of a person with a disability. A deaf person is not 'deaf-mute' but can communicate through sign language.
• Maintain eye contact:
  For people with hearing impairments, it is important that their conversation partner maintains eye contact, as facial expressions and gestures help them understand. Hearing impairment does not mean that someone is mentally unable to follow you. Avoid using baby talk or shouting.
• Communicate more rather than less:
  For blind people, it is especially important to communicate extensively. For example, let them know if you are leaving your seat to prevent them from talking to an empty chair, thinking you are still there. When greeting, pay attention to the blind person's body language and ask: 'Shall we shake hands?' A handshake is an important way for them to gather information about you and understand your presence. When changing locations, ask: 'May I offer you your arm?'
• A disability is just one characteristic among many:
  Refrain from making comments such as: 'It's great that you play sports despite your disability.' A disability is just one characteristic among many. A woman who uses a wheelchair is a woman, and also, for example, a wife, mother, employee, and club member. People with disabilities wish to be recognized as complete and valuable individuals.

Source: https://www.der-querschnitt.de/archive/49266