These tips were provided by JJ’s List, the non-profit that was founded to help people with disabilities live independent, self-directed lives and use the Internet to self-advocate.
JJ’s List is the “Angie’s List” for people with disabilities, and is the brainchild of JJ Hanley, an Wilmette mom of a teenager with learning disabilities.
These are the tips Hanley provides to businesses, but they certainly apply to everyone.
- Talk directly to the customer with the disability, even if there is a companion with him or her.
- Ask the customer if he or she wants help, then let him or her guide you if the person does want help.
- Talk in a normal voice—don’t shout or talk down.
- Slow down and be patient. Your customer with a disability may need more time to answer you or to think about choices.
- If you don’t understand the customer’s response, ask him or her to repeat or write it down.
- Use hand gestures, pointing and body language to help communicate when needed. They really help!
- Hire people with disabilities to work in your business.
- If your customer uses a service animal, don’t pet or try to play with it. If your customer uses a wheelchair, cane or other physical support, don’t touch the supports. Don’t try to move them without permission.
- If you need extra time to serve a customer with a disability, acknowledge his or her presence, and let that person know. This is helpful when you are busy.
- Check that your business is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and, if it isn’t, make changes to comply. It’s the law.