Interaction with persons with disabilities is a matter of persons, not of disabilities. When interaction with persons with disabilities occurs under conditions of equality, no special skills are required; persons with disabilities are not special persons; they may feel special (or most likely discriminated) when there is no accommodation in place to facilitate their interaction with others. However, if the environment has been adjusted appropriately (e.g., assistive devices, sign language interpreters, support persons) and attitudes are in line with a social/human rights approach, interaction can be smooth. Arrangements should not be considered special but normal or, using a concept from the Convention, universal.
In the street, interaction with persons with disabilities requires common sense and respect; within a professional context, interaction with persons with disabilities requires professionalism. Nothing more and nothing less of what our clients or acquaintances without disabilities would expect. Interaction is easier when the rules are the same for everyone and everyone is welcome.
Depending on the person we need to meet, interview or work with, some arrangements and/or preparation might be needed. This is something we should be used to as part of our daily work and for all types of interviews and meetings. Are all physical and linguistic barriers eliminated? What about the psychological ones?
Do not assume or act as if persons with disabilities are heroic or courageous just by virtue of having a disability. This emphasizes difference. Persons with disabilities have strengths and weaknesses just as persons without disabilities.
Terminology that is used to refer to or interact with persons with disabilities is nonetheless important. Certain words and phrases can be offensive, undermining and/or superficial. People are not definable on the basis of their disability. Appropriate terminology promotes respect and reflects deeper understanding of disability. Proper communication is important with all types of interlocutors. This skill is key for participants who develop daily contact with persons with disabilities, intervene with authorities advocating and reaffirming their rights, carry out interviews or draft reports.
Persons with disabilities and their representative organizations have chosen certain terminology, such as “persons with disabilities”, in which case it is important to use such terms. Yet, when defining acceptable terminology there is always a risk of moving towards political correctness, which in turn can be a barrier to free and fluid speech. Nonetheless, be aware of the fact that some language can reinforce stereotypes and be offensive to persons with disabilities. If we do not use appropriate language, how can we expect credible attitudinal change?