How Not to Offend People with Disabilities When You Meet Them

In the United States alone, about 61 million, or 1 out of every 4 adults, live with at least one disability.

It’s probably safe to say that you know someone with a disability or might be disabled yourself. Not all of these disabilities are visible or readily apparent, and many involve learning, developmental, or intellectual disabilities.

So, how should we talk to and/or about this community of people?

NPR recently interviewed Emily Ladau, a writer and disability advocate who recently published Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally, to ask about her thoughts on the matter.

Ladau told NPR that while it isn’t disabled people’s responsibility to educate people without disabilities about the nuances of living with a disability, progress is made through dialogue. She strongly recommends that nondisabled people interact with the disabled people around them, to build relationships and learn from their experiences.

To read more about Ladau’s perspective, check out the full article at NPR.