Disability Etiquette Tips in the COVID Environment 
 
1. 
 
Whether 
 
you are 
 
providing 
 
in-person 
 
or remote services to an 
 
individual with a disability, 
 
always ask if he/she would 
 
like assistance and listen for 
 
the response. Follow any 
 
specific directions given. 
 
4. 
 
Avoid using 
 
inappropriate phrases 
 
such as handicapped, 
 
crippled, victim, 
 
sufferer, etc. 
 
2. 
 
Relax and act natural when 
 
interacting (in person, over the 
 
phone or through an online 
 
platform) with an individual 
 
with a disability. Don't be uncomfortable 
 
using common, accepted phrases such as 
 
"see you later" that may relate to a 
 
person's disability. 
 
3. 
 
When speaking 
 
(in-person, over 
 
the phone, or 
 
through an online 
 
platform) to an individual with a disability, 
 
speak directly to the person, not through 
 
his/her companion, aide, or interpreter. 
 
5. When writing or speaking about an individual with a disability, 
place the person before the disability out of respect for the 
individual. Say "person with diabetes" instead of "diabetic". 
 
6. 
 
Whether the interaction 
 
is in-person or remotely, 
 
treat adults in a manner 
 
appropriate for adults. Do not 
 
patronize individuals with 
 
disabilities by talking down to 
 
them or using baby talk. 
 
8. 
 
When interacting 
 
(in-person or 
 
remotely) with an 
 
individual who is 
 
blind or visually 
 
impaired, identify 
 
yourself and others in the group. 
 
If you are giving directions, give 
 
specific, nonvisual information. 
 
7. When communicating (in-person 
or remotely) with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, find out the best method for communication, such as writing notes, lip reading, sign language, etc. 
 
9. 
 
When speaking 
 
(in-person or 
 
remotely) with a 
 
person with a 
 
speech impairment, 
 
give him/her your full attention. Be 
 
patient and rephrase if necessary. 
 
Don't tease or mock them. 
 
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