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.
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.
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.
Writers with disabilities, writers who write about people with disabilities, and the head of the National Arts and Disability Center discuss their opinions regarding writing about individuals with disabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
National Center on Disability and Journalism. (2002 ). Tips for Interviewing People with Disabilities. Download at http://ncdj.org/interviewingtips/
This is a tip sheet on how to interview people with disabilities published
by the National Center on Disability Journalism.
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.
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
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)
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.
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.