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brgs logo February 1, 2010
 Compliance Matters
ACCEPTABLE PHRASES WHEN DISCUSSING
DISABILITIES
 
Employers and employees alike often struggle with how to communicate with or assist employees with disabilities.
 
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, using positive language is the first step in communicating with persons who have a physical or mental disability. The ODEP recently published this chart to assist well meaning employers and their employees.
 
AFFIRMATIVE PHRASES           NEGATIVE PHRASES
 
person with an intellectual,       retarded; mentally
cognitive or developmental       defective
disability
 
person who is blind; person      the blind
who is visually impaired
 
person with a disability            the disabled;
                                           handicapped
 
person who is deaf or              the deaf; deaf and
hearing impaired                     dumb
 
person who has multiple          afflicted by MS
sclerosis
 
person with epilepsy; person     Epileptic
with a seizure disorder
 
person who uses a wheel-        confined or
chair                                     restricted to a wheelchair
 
person with a physical              crippled; lame;
disability; physically                 deformed
disabled
 
unable to speak; uses              dumb; mute
synthetic speech
 
person with a psychiatric          crazy; nuts
disability
 
person who is successful,         has overcome his
productive                             or her disability; is
                                           courageous (when it
                                           implies the person has
                                           courage because of
                                           having a disability)
 
ODEP offers the following advice for communicating with individuals with a disability:
 
-  When introduced to a person with a disability, it is appropriate to offer to shake hands.  People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands.  (Shaking hands with the left hand is an acceptable greeting).
 
-  If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted.  Then listen to or ask for instructions.
 
-  Relax.  Don't be embarassed if you happen to use common expressions such as "See you later", or "Did you hear about that?" that seem to relate to a person's disability.
 
-  Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're unsure of what to do.
 
Your contact at the Firm is ready to assist you if you have any questions about this topic.
 


For more information, call us today at (818) 508-3700,
or visit us on the web, at www.brgslaw.com.

Sincerely,

Richard S. Rosenberg
Partner
BRG&S, LLP

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Glendale, CA
91203-9946
PH 818/508-3700

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Suite 23A
New York, NY
10028
PH 212/398-9500
 
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