Academic Accommodations . Grievance Procedures . Communicating with and about individuals with disabilities. Positive language empowers. When writing or speaking about people with disabilities, it is important to put the person first.
Many people still view persons with disabilities as individuals to be pitied, feared, or ignored.
These attitudes may arise from discomfort with individuals who are perceived to be different or simply from a lack of information. When talking with a individual with a disability, speak directly to that person rather than through a companion or interpreter. When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. When meeting a person who is visually impaired, always identify yourself and others who may be with you.