Disability awareness training is needed for several reasons: 19% of Americans have a disability but many still face discrimination. Training helps people understand that disability is just one aspect of a person and see individuals as people rather than their disability. It also helps develop skills to communicate and relate to people with disabilities and understand challenges they face. Overall, training creates a more inclusive environment for all.

2. WHY IS DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING NEEDED?
• 19% of Americans have a disability, making it our country’s largest
minority .
• It is a minority that ANYONE can join.
• Less than 15% of people with disabilities were born with them.
• 40% of employed people with disabilities still report experiencing
some form of job discrimination.
• Approximately 65% of people with disabilities who want to work can’t
find a job.
• People with disabilities are three times more likely than people
without disabilities to live below the poverty line .
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3. WHY IS DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING NEEDED?
Disability awareness training helps us:
• Our society is moving towards full inclusion of people with
disabilities in education, social circles and the workplace.
• Understand that disability is just one aspect of a person’s full
and complex life.
• See each person as an individual, not as a disability.
• Recognize that every individual – with or without a disability –
faces challenges.
• Individuals with disabilities face some unique challenges related to
their disabilities which can be accommodated.
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4. WHY IS DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING NEEDED?
Disability awareness training helps us:
• Help people with disabilities achieve their highest potential and
independence.
• Communicate and relate to people with disabilities.
• Develop knowledge of disability-related resources.
• Expand our circle of friends to include people with disabilities.
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5. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in
employment, State and local government, public accommodations,
commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. It
also applies to the United States Congress.
To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a
relationship or association with an individual with a disability.
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6. MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND REALITIES
True or False: Cancer, diabetes, AIDS, epilepsy, dyslexia and
mental illness are examples of “hidden” disabilities which are
covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act.
TRUE. However, things like sexual behavior disorders, illegal drug
use and compulsive gambling are not covered.
True or False: If you’re assisting a person who uses a service dog,
petting the dog is okay.
FALSE. For safety reasons, a dog needs to be alert and
undistracted while working. Avoid treating the dog like you
would a pet.
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7. MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND REALITIES
True or False: It’s appropriate to sit down when you’re speaking to
someone in a wheelchair.
TRUE. Try to sit down in order to share the same eye level. If
seating is not available, give the person some space. Standing
too close while you talk can create an uncomfortable viewing
angle.
True or False: If someone has a disability and appears to need
help, it is polite to provide assistance before you’ve been asked.
FALSE. Simply ask the person to let you know if they require
assistance.
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8. MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND REALITIES
True of False. More than 65% of all people who have cerebral palsy
(CP) have a mental disability.
FALSE. This is a common misconception. There is a wide range of
abilities among people who have cerebral palsy, and most do
not have a mental disability.
True or False. If a person is having a seizure, it is appropriate to
put something in his/her mouth to prevent him/her from
swallowing his/her tongue.
FALSE. If you do that, there is a risk that the person will choke on
whatever you put in his/her mouth.
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9. MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND REALITIES
True or False. Considerable expense is required to accommodate
employees with disabilities.
FALSE. An analysis of more than 10,000 disabled employees
showed that:
• 31% required no added cost for special training or facilities.
• 50% had special training and facilities costs under $50.
• 69% had special training and facilities costs under $500.
• Only 1% had special training and facilities costs over $5,000.
• Studies show that building a new facility that is accessible adds
only 0.5% to the building's cost.
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10. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
The key to creating an accepting work
environment is to treat each individual
with respect and equality!
 Do not be overly friendly or condescending
toward individuals with disabilities.
 Use appropriate greetings, such as shaking
hands.
 Challenge derogatory language or jokes.
 Take responsibility for making people feel
welcome and accepted.
 Get to know people with disabilities.
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11. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
When providing assistance:
• First, ask if help is needed.
• Be sure you understand what is needed.
• Don’t take over; just help.
Speak directly to the person rather than through someone else,
such as a sign language interpreter.
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12. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
• Don’t be afraid of making a mistake.
• Use common sense and a positive attitude.
• Always think of the person first.
• Be generous with yourself.
Unsure of what to do or say? Ask!
Made a mistake? Apologize, correct, learn and move on.
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13. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER: WORD CHOICE
 Avoid words with negative connotations like: “handicapped,”
“afflicted,” “crippled,” “victim,” “sufferer,” etc.
 Do not refer to individuals by their disability. A person is not a
condition.
 Emphasize “person first” terminology :
Handicapped A PERSON with a disability.
Deaf A PERSON who is deaf.
Mute A PERSON without speech.
Confined/Wheelchair-Bound A PERSON who uses a wheelchair.
• If you happen to not have a disability at this time in your life, that
DOES NOT make you “normal” or “able-bodied.” It just makes you
… non-disabled.
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14. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
 The definition of legally blind is 20/200 vision with best
correction.
 However, many people who are considered blind do have some
sight.
 Introduce yourself and explain what your job role is.
 Speak in a normal tone of voice. There is no need to shout.
 When you move around, let the person who is blind know so
that he/she won’t be talking to “empty air.”
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15. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS
• American Sign Language (ASL) is not another form of English.
It is an official language with its own grammar, context and
rules.
• Lip-reading is only 30 – 50% effective and can be tiring during
long conversations.
• Get the attention of the deaf person before starting a
conversation.
• Be patient if you are asked to repeat yourself.
• If needed, use a paper and pencil to communicate.
• If the person uses a sign language interpreter, address the
person, not the interpreter
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16. IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
PEOPLE WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS
 There is a wide range of physical ability among people who use
wheelchairs, and people who use them will likely require
different degrees of assistance.
 Make sure the person is ready before you start pushing the
wheelchair.
 Sometimes people are told a place is accessible when it is not.
 Consider distance, weather, and obstacles such as stairs, curbs,
or hills when you give directions.
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