Fall 2025 Lunch and Learn
Disability Etiquette
Wednesday, August 13, 12 - 1 p.m.
119 E. Main St., Crawfordsville
Presented by Sandra Widener, Director of Programming and Compliance at Abilities Services, Inc.
Join us for a disability etiquette presentation on respectful and inclusive ways to interact with individuals with disabilities, focusing on communication, accessibility, and creating a welcoming environment. It will emphasize person-first language, direct communication, and avoiding assumptions about abilities. The presentation will also covers practical tips for various situations, such as presentations, meetings, and everyday interactions.
Key topics often covered in a disability etiquette presentation will include:
- Person-first language: Using terms like "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person" or focusing on the disability instead of the person.
- Direct communication: Speaking directly to the person with a disability, not to their companion or interpreter.
- Respecting personal space: Not touching or moving a person's mobility aids without permission.
- Accessibility: Ensuring presentations and meetings are accessible to all, including providing materials in alternative formats and ensuring clear pathways.
- Understanding different needs: Recognizing that individuals with disabilities may have varying needs and preferences, and being open to adjusting communication styles or providing accommodations as needed.
- Avoiding assumptions: Not making assumptions about a person's abilities or limitations based on their disability.
- Focusing on abilities: Emphasizing what a person can do rather than what they cannot.
- Respecting privacy: Not asking intrusive questions about a person's disability.
- Specific disability types: Addressing common types of disabilities and providing tailored guidance for interacting with individuals who have visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive impairments.
This presentation will be held on the second floor with elevator access.