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Communicating With and About Individuals with Disabilities
The following books, articles, and videos provide suggestions on how to communicate respectfully and sensitively with people with disabilities. The list of resources is provided for information purposes only and does not denote endorsement by the National Arts and Disability Center.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
  1. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (2002). Disability Awareness: A Selected Bibliography Compiled by Carol Strauss. Download at http://www.loc.gov/nls/reference/bibliographies/awareness.html

    This bibliography explores myths and misconceptions that continue to exist and ways to interact with and write about people with disabilities to foster greater sensitivity and understanding.
BOOKS & ARTICLES
  1. Kailes, J. (2000). Accessibility Guidelines for Speakers Download at http://www.jik.com/resource.htm#Accessibility

    A concise guide offering important tips in assuring access to the widest possible audience. Includes how to: make visual aids accessible through oral narratives and format; work with sign language interpreters; make soundtracks accessible throughcaptioning; work with assistive listening systems; convert handout materials to alternative formats (Braille, large print, disk, audio cassette); record material on audio cassette; and locate Braille transcription, captioning, recording, and duplicating services.
  2. Blaser, A. (2003). Awareness Days: Some Alternatives to Simulation Exercises. Download at http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/0903/0903ft1.html

    Some Alternatives to Simulation Exercises. Ragged Edge Online. Presents suggestions for disability awareness that do not involve disability simulations, which the author argues send the wrong message about living with a disability.
  3. City of San Antonio (1997). Disability Etiquette Handbook. Download at http://www.ci.sat.tx.us/planning/disability_handbook/disability_handbook.asp?res=1024&ver=true

    This handbook was produced by the Texas Planning Department and the Disability Advisory as an information tool to enhance opportunities for persons with disabilities to pursue their careers and independent lifestyles.
  4. Disability Rights Advocates. (2002). Communication Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People - An Event Planners Handbook. Download at http://www.dralegal.org/publications/badai.html

    The Bay Area Deaf Access Initiative (BADAI) exists to bridge the communication and knowledge gap by providing both deaf individuals and event planners with the tools and resources they need to ensure communication access at various events. This guide will assist event planners by explaining the types of accommodations available and how event planners can use them effectively. This guide will also lead event planners through the process of connecting with and providing access to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
  5. Iowa Arts Council. (1997). Suggestions for communicating, working with and writing about people with disabilities. Download at http://www.iowaartscouncil.org/info/info18.htm

    This resource guide provides information on the ADA law and legislation, and how to relate and communicate with and about people with disabilities.
  6. Kailes. J. (1995). Language is more than a trivial concern! November 1990 Revised. Send order to: June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant Playa Del Rey, California 90293-7556, Phone (310) 821 7080.

    Sensitizes people to appropriate and current terminology to use when speaking with, writing about or referring to people with disabilities. Challenges readers to be aware of the importance of using disability- neutral terms. Serves as an excellent reference tool for the public, media, marketers, providers and for board members, staff, and volunteers of disability- related organizations.
  7. Miller, N., & Sammons, C. (1999). Everybody's Different. Download at http://www.pbrookes.com/

    Featuring awareness activities that show us how we see differences, this book helps us enrich our interactions with people who have disability differences. The authors explore how our reactions to and beliefs about disabilities influence our progress toward an inclusive society and share their innovative approach to becoming more at ease with the concept of disability. With specific interaction tips, this enlightening guide gives us practical ways to improve our personal, professional, and community relationships.
  8. National Center on Disability and Journalism. (2002 ). Style Guide. Download at http://www.ncdj.org/styleguide/ncdj-sg5-28-02.pdf

    Style Guide developed and published by the National Center on Disability Journalism. Provides a listing of terminology and their usage as it pertains to writing about people with disabilities.
  9. National Center on Disability and Journalism. (2002 ). Tips for Interviewing People with Disabilities. Download at http://www.ncdj.org/interviewing.pdf

    This is a tip sheet on how to interview people with disabilities published by the National Center on Disability Journalism.
  10. Rochester Institute of Technology. (2002). FAQs and General TTY Etiquette Tips for New TTY Users. Download at http://wally.rit.edu/depts/ref/research/deaf/ttyuse.html

    This information sheet provides suggestions on how to best and politely communicate using a telecommunications device with individuals who are deaf.
  11. Royal National Institute for the Blind United Kingdom. (1998). Helpful facts about communicating with blind or partially sighted people. Download at http://www.rnib.org.uk/wesupply/fctsheet/method.htm

    This fact sheet provides suggestions on communicating with persons who are visually impaired.
  12. University of Kansas. Guidelines for Reporting and Writing About People with Disabilities Brochure 6th Edition. Download at http://www.rtcil.org/public.htm

    Offers preferred language, style, and appropriate portrayals of people with disabilities. Reflects input from over 100 national disability groups and has been adopted by the Associated Press Stylebook, American Psychological Association, American Association of Advancement in Science.
  13. VSA arts. Access and Opportunities: A Guide to Disability Awareness. Download at http://www.vsarts.org/resources/general/dag/

    This online publication is a disability awareness guide that was prepared by VSA arts as an informational tool for those who want to gain knowledge about disability tips for social etiquette and positive interactions with people with disabilities.
VIDEOS
  1. Harrington, T. (1997). The Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities. Syracuse, NY: Irene Ward and Associates (P.O. Box 2038 Syracuse, NY 13220-2038)

    http://www.ireneward.com/
    Forty-nine million people with disabilities purchase over $600 billion goods and services annually. Learning proper etiquette can help your organization avoid losing talented employees and potential customers due to ignorance or awkwardness. This outstanding video uses lighthearted, humorous vignettes to help you learn how to communicate effectively - excellent training for anyone who employs, serves, or communicates on a regular basis with people who have disabilities! Comes complete with a closed captioned version followed by a second version with open captioning and audio descriptor all on one cassette.
  2. Program Development Associates. (1995). A Videoguide to (Dis)Ability Awareness. Cicero: NY. Program Development Associates, (5620 Business Ave., Suite B., Cierco, NY 13039).

    Designed for group training or personal use, the video is divided into the following categories: etiquette and behavior, how to anticipate and interact effectively with people who have communication disabilities, and how to identify and remove unintentional barriers in an organization.

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