A person with a severe disability doesn't need the unwarranted obstacle of being seen as also having an active disease. Disease-caused disabilities pose more problems because most people don't know which diagnostic labels reflect acute illnesses that are long past and which designate continuing illnesses. Suffice it to say, these are fad phrases that have not gained general acceptance among people with disabilities. This is owing to the latter's narrower meaning as well as its historical association with fundraising pathos. For example, stairs, narrow doorways, and curbs are handicaps to people with disabilities who use wheelchairs.
Many people feel uncomfortable around individuals with disabilities.
Much of this discomfort stems from lack of personal contact with people with disabilities and a sense of awkwardness and uncertainty as to how to speak and act in their presence. The following section offers suggestions for increasing effective communication and reducing anxiety when interacting with people with specific disabilities. Hearing Impairments Do not make assumptions about a person's ability to communicate or the way in which they do it. Always ascertain which communication medium the deaf or partially hearing person intends to use. Face the person directly and continue speaking at a normal volume and rate.