There is no doubt that you can support Eva’s legacy and
many other people by committing to take the pledge to
learn to engage with people whose abilities are
different than your own.
Speak directly to them (even if you think they can not
hear or see you) just as I would my best friend.
Always assume they know something I don’t!
Know that I probably have more in common than not.
Struggling with something, ask if they want help rather
than assume.
If the person asks for help, ask them how they would
like me to help or what they would like me to do.
Watch to see how they communicate; it could be with
looking, smiling, breathing or moving.
Use person first language. Say “person with a
disability” rather than “disabled person”. Even better, think of Eva
and how she liked to be introduced: “Eva, the super girl with the
super dog.”
Avoid blocking walkways, doorways, and automatic door
openers!
Avoid asking people who use wheelchairs if they will
hold my stuff (Seriously, people do that).
If the person is blind, offer to have them hold onto my
arm.
If the person is hard of hearing, stay where they can
see my face, and keep my hands away from my face.
If the person is blind or hard of hearing, speak in a
regular voice unless they ask my to speak up.
If people use adaptive devices, equipment or have visual
impairment, warn them of moved furniture or blocked
pathways.
If I must touch them, ask them if it’s okay and if they
are ready.
If the person has an assistance dog and I can’t help
myself, ask if I can pet it; never assume I can.
If the person has an assistance dog, walk on the
opposite side.
When asking a person with a disability a question, give
them time to respond. Eva often needed upwards to a minute to
indicate yes or no.
Let people with disabilities offer information about
their disability only if they want to.
We should all be engaged in our community. Further Eva’s
pledge and…
Reach out to a local disability advocacy group and
volunteer. Ask if they could get you a wheelchair for a day and try
living your day in a wheelchair. Your world perspective will
change.
If you have the ability to influence change to better
the world, to benefit persons with disabilities, do it. Simple as
that.