Disability Etiquette

The practice of interacting with a person with a disability with respect and courtesy.

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder provides community training and presentations on disability etiquette and people-first language. For more information on community trainings and presenations please contact us at tnpathfinder@vanderbilt.edu or 1-800-640-4636.

Pathfinder Resources

Database of Services: Relevant keyword(s) may include:Advocacy Services

Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) - Portrayal of People with Disabilities

The Association of University Centers on Disability resouces on disability etiquette.

Disability Etiquette Brochure

This brochure, published by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, gives a very good summary of proper etiquette for engaging with persons with disabilities.

Disability Is Natural

Disability Is Natural is website developed by Kathie Snow and BraveHeart Press which advocates and educates people-first language and disability etiquette.

I AM PWD

An advocacy organization that seeks inclusion and postive potrayals of people with disabilities in the arts and media.

R-Word | Spread the Word to End the Word

A campaign to advocate against the use of inappropriate and insensitive language regarding people with disabilities.

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Links

Support for Families | Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Includes resources regarding caregivers, parents, and sibling support.

Printable Materials and Resources

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - Disability Etiquette and People First Language
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder's guide on disability etiquette and the use of appropriate language.
Inclusion in the Classroom Tip Sheet
Classroom Inclusion of Persons with Severe/Multiple Disabilities Tip Sheet

Media

Sacred Storytelling: Inclusion Begins With (Y)our Stories
Keynote lecture by Mark Crenshaw, Executive Director, Interfaith Disability Network, at the 1st Congregational Inclusion Conference held in October, 2010.
Beyond Inclusion: Rethinking Normalcy, Identity, and Disability in Theological Terms
Tom Reynolds, Ph.D., suggests a reframing of what we consider “normal” and outlines how that reframing might alter how we think about the act of inclusion at the Disabilities, Religion, and Spirituality Special Lecture on March 1, 2010.

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The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a free, statewide, information and referral service for persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates.

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Tennesee Disability Pathfinder is a joint project of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Vanderbilt Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.