When Speaking About or With a Person with a Physical Disability

• Always use person-first or identity first language. While person first language is widely accepted, identity first language is also acceptable and empowering.
• When referring to someone without disability, it is appropriate to use the term non-disabled. Avoid the term able-bodied.
• There are a wide range of physical disabilities and associated causes and levels of function. Consider each unique situation and remember that people with disability are as diverse as people without disability.
• Do not assume that a person with disability is unhappy or has the desire to be “cured.”
•  Individuals who are paralyzed have varying levels of paralysis. Do not assume a person is paralyzed from the waist down unless you are certain of his or her diagnosis.
• Try not to give undue praise for everyday situations and accomplishments simply because an individual has a disability. Limit these types of praises and compliments to individuals with disability who truly accomplish inspirational or heroic achievements.
•  A disability is not a negative characteristic and should not be portrayed as such.
•  An individual who uses a wheelchair may have any varying degree of mobility, but is never “bound” or “con-fined” to his or her wheelchair.
•  Apply the same principles, considerations and respect with everyone.
• Be prepared to offer information in alternate formats.
•  Speak directly to the individual not his or her care taker or interpreter.

When Working with a Person with a Physical Disability

• Never use a person’s disability to improve another individual’s perspective on life.
• Make sure your workout site is accessible
• Ask ahead of time if the person will need any accommodations.
• Speak to the person the same way you would speak to a person without a disability. No need to crouch or kneel to the level of the individual if your interaction will be brief.
• Get to know your clients level of function. Just because they use a wheelchair doesn’t mean that they can’t stand or wouldn’t choose to transfer out of it.
• Offer your client choices whenever appropriate but never over adapt.

When Working with a Person with a Sensory Disability

• Always verbally introduce and excuse yourself when you join or leave a conversation with an individual who is visually impaired.
• If an individual has difficulty speaking, do not assume they have an intellectual disability or alter your own speech or attitude.
• Allow sufficient time for communication, do not attempt to finish their sentence or provide words before they can say them.
• If a person has hearing loss, consider writing your message or having an interpreter, the majority of this population does not read lips.

When Working with a Person with an Intellectual Disability

• Keep the workout space small and preferably well known to the individuals. (For example a workout done in a large gym may be overwhelming)
• They may easily lose focus or get off task. It may be beneficial to keep a visible schedule or list of things you will be doing that day.
• It may help to allow them access to a preferred location or object during the interview. For example they may prefer one specific piece of exercise equipment you can use that piece as a reward when they complete something you have asked them to do.
• Ask one question at a time. Explain new activities one step at a time. Make sure they understand what you have said before you move on. Don’t allow them to just say yes they understand.

When Working with an Athlete with a Disability

• Treat the athlete the same as an athlete without a disability.
• Have a basic understanding of the sport and any equipment used for the sport. (and if you don’t know –just ask)
• Understand the different levels and types of disability sport competition. For example:
  • There are local< regional < national/ collegiate < international competitions
  • The Olympic Games- the largest sporting event in the word, held every two years for elite athletes without a disabilities
  • The Paralympic Games- the third largest sporting event in the world, held every two years for elite athletes with a disability. The same host city and venues are used as the Olympic Games and it takes place two weeks after closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games.
  • The Special Olympics – local, regional, national and international sport trainings and competitions for individuals with an intellectual disability.