FAQ about people with disabilities

OK by popular demand I've decided to do a FAQ (frequently asked questions) about people with disabilities...for those who are too shy to ask.

1. Are people with disabilities sick?

No. Although some people with disabilities (like people without disabilities) have illnesses, many people with disabilities are healthy. Sometimes people get confused and treat people with disabilities as if they are sick but people with disabilities want to be treated just like everyone else, not like a sick person.

2. Should I offer help to a person with a disability?

If you want to and feel that someone needs your help, go ahead. Remember that if the person turns down your help, it doesn't mean you should not have offered help. Just use your common sense in situations and please try not to take a "no" as a reason for not offering help again.

3. I don't know many people with disabilities and I just don't know how to act around them. Any suggestions?

A few. If you are speaking to a person in a wheelchair, it's great if you can get at eye level - take a seat nearby, for example. Remember not to touch the person's wheelchair without permission as this is part of their space. If you are around a blind person with a guide dog, please don't pet the dog without permission or you might distract the animal. Feel free to describe things to a person with a visual impairment so they can feel included in what is going on. It may help to remember that you want to treat the person with a disability as a person first- the disability is secondary.

4. Is that you in the picture behind the tennis racket?

I cannot affirm or deny that.

5. You talk about inclusion of people with disabilities. How do I do that when I don't even know the person?

Great question. Find something you have in common. For example, if you meet the person in your parish, pick a topic about something going on in the parish. It helps to have someone introduce you, but it's the same with any new parishioner - it is a question of getting to know each other and being welcoming. Just reach out your hand and extend a hello.

....more to follow...