Disability etiquette
Disability etiquette is a set of guidelines dealing specifically with how to approach a person with a disability. There is no consensus on when this phrase first came into use, although it most likely grew out of the Disability Rights Movement that began in the early 1970s. The concept may have started as a cynical play on existing rule sheets, written for audiences without a disability, that were seen as patronizing by civil rights activists. Guidelines Most disability etiquette guidelines seem to be predicated on a simple dictate: "Do not assume ..." They are written to address real and perceived shortcomings in how society as a whole treats disabled people. These guidelines can be broken down into the several broad categories. "Do not assume ...": "... a person with a disability either wants or requires assistance." "... rejection of aid is meant as a personal affront." "... upon acceptance of your help, that you know, without being told, what service to perform." "... a person who appears to have one kind of disability also has others." "... a disabled person is dissatisfied with their quality of life, and is thus seeking pity." "... a person with a disability is easily