Training & Development

Myths

 

• People with disabilities are inferior to “normal” people and their lives are very different.

• People with disabilities are brave and courageous.

• You have to be careful when you’re talking to a person with a disability, because they are easily offended if you use the wrong word.

• We need to feel sorry for people with disabilities.

• It’s difficult serving customers with disabilities.

 

Reality

 

• People with disabilities don’t need pity, they just to be respected like anyone else

• Customers with disabilities have the same preferences, perceptions, attitudes, habits, and needs as customers without disabilities, and they are looking for the same quality of products and services.

• People with disabilities go to school, get married, work, have families, play, do laundry, go shopping, eat out, travel, volunteer, vote, pay taxes, laugh, cry, plan and dream — just like everyone else.

• Adjusting to serve customers with disabilities requires understanding and patience, not bravery, courage or empathy.

• You just need to be as polite and respectful as you would when speaking to anyone. If you’re not sure what to say or do, it’s okay to ask.

• Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to be treated with the same dignity and respect.