Access and Accommodation Services began Disability Awareness Week with a disability etiquette seminar on Monday. The seminar was hosted via Zoom.

The event aimed to teach attendees about proper disability language and how to interact with those with disabilities.

Dominique White, director of Access and Accommodation Services, led the event.

“In our office, we’ve got more than 900 students registered with our office that goes up every year and it’s going to continue because we have laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and other things that encourage people to go to school,” White said. “They can do it and be successful if accommodated properly.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a law that prohibits discrimination based on disability, including transportation, employment, public accommodation and more.  

White explained different types of disabilities and why people may not always know someone is disabled.

“Many people with disabilities have what we call invisible disabilities. Those are things that you cannot see just by looking at a person,” White said. “Many people with disabilities have what we call invisible disabilities. Those are things that you cannot see just by looking at a person. Many people with disabilities have what we call invisible disabilities. Those are things that you cannot see just by looking at a person”

White discussed how to best interact with people with disabilities. She said using person-centered language helped focus on the person, instead of their disability. The director emphasized that the language used was up to the disabled person’s preference and that people should ask about what language they prefer. 

“Within disabled communities, sometimes first-person language is not preferred,” said Sarah Wofford, a library services specialist. “Many autistics I know, including myself, prefer to be called autistic rather than “a person with autism,” for example. It’s a preference, much like other ways to help.”

White also brought up how people shouldn’t touch mobility aids or bother service animals. She said touching these things or distracting animals while they are working is an invasion of personal space and is demeaning.

“I am physically disabled,” Wofford said. “I spend some time in a wheelchair and the number of people who just think they can move me is alarming.”

The director discussed how people with disabilities shouldn’t be viewed as inspirational for existing.

“A person with a disability is not inspiring simply because they’re out living their life just like you would,” White said. “You might experience some extra challenges in your life, but your disability in itself is not the challenge. It’s the environment that is not accessible to you.”

White reminded the attendees that when using proper disability language and etiquette, people may still get certain wording wrong. She said there’s nothing wrong with that, people just need to recognize their mistakes and do better in the future.

Sandra Hawkins, an instructor in teacher education, had their Making Connections class on the Zoom call.

“My Making Connections class students are grateful for this opportunity,” Hawkins said. “This will help us currently on the A-State campus, with our friends as well when we observe in the classrooms with elementary and middle-level students in the area schools.”

Disability Awareness Week began Oct. 23 and ends Oct. 26. Check the Campus Calendar for a list of upcoming events.

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