I. Speak directly to the person, rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter who may be present.

II. Offer to shake hands when introduced. People with limited hand use or an artificial limb can usually shake hands and offering the left hand is an acceptable greeting.

III. Always identify yourself, and others who may be with you, when meeting someone with a visual disability. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking. When dining with a friend who has a visual disability, ask if you can describe what is on his or her plate.

IV. If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions.

V. Treat adults as adults. Address people with disabilities by their first names only when extending that same familiarity to all others. Never patronize people in wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.

VI. Do not lean against or hang on someone's wheelchair or pet a service animal. Bear in mind that people with disabilities treat their chairs as extensions of their bodies. And so do people with guide dogs and help dogs. Never distract a service animal from its job without the owner's permission.

VII. Listen attentively when talking with people who have difficulty speaking and wait for them to finish. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, or a nod of the head. Never pretend to understand; instead, repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond.

VIII. Place yourself at eye level when speaking with someone in a wheelchair or on crutches.

IX. Tap a person who has a hearing disability on the shoulder or wave your hand to get his or her attention. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips. If so, try to face the light source and keep hands, drinks and food away from your mouth when speaking. If a person is wearing a hearing aid, don't assume that they have the ability to discriminate your speaking voice. Never shout at a person. Just speak in a normal tone of voice.

X. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions, such as "See you later" or "Did you hear about this?" that seem to relate to a person's disability. 

• Speak to the person when you approach him or her.
• Tell him or her who you are and don’t raise your voice.
• When conversing in a group, remember to identify yourself and the person to whom you are speaking.
• Don’t play with or pet a service animal or distract it unless you ask the owner’s permission first.
• Let the individual know when you are leaving.
• Don’t try to lead the person without asking permission first. Then,simply let the individual hold your arm and let him or her control their own movements.

• Make sure you get the person’s attention before you begin to speak. Just tap the individual on the shoulder if he or she is not facing you.
• Always look directly at the person and try to keep your face in the light away from shadows. Speak clearly in a normal tone of voice and avoid chewing gum or smoking while you talk. Try to use short, simple sentences.
• When the person is using a sign language interpreter, don’t speak directly to the interpreter. Speak directly to the person.
• If you telephone an individual who is hard of hearing, let the phone ring longer than usual. Speak clearly and be prepared to repeat the reason for the call and who you are. If you do not have a Text Telephone (TTY), dial 711 to reach the national telecommunications relay service. This service can facilitate the call between you and an individual who uses a TTY. 

• Try to place yourself at eye level with the person (i.e. sitting in a chair or kneeling down).
• Don’t lean on a wheelchair or other assistive device.
• Do not condescend to a person in a wheelchair by treating him or her childishly, such as patting on the head or shoulder.
• Ask if the person would like your assistance pushing the wheelchair.
• If a person is having a problem with opening a door, offer to assist.
• When telephoning a person, let the phone ring long enough to allow time to reach the phone. 

• If you do not understand something the individual says, do not pretend that you do. Ask the individual to repeat what he or she said and then repeat it back.
• Take as much time as necessary to communicate and be patient.
• Try to ask questions which require only short answers or a nod of the head.
• Concentrate and pay extra attention to help you understand what the individual is saying.
• Don’t attempt to help by finishing the person’s sentences. Let the person speak for him- or herself.
• After trying to understand the person repeatedly, without success, ask if it is OK to communicate through writing as an alternative. 

• Move from a public area with lots of distractions to a quieter, more private area.
• Be prepared to repeat what you say, orally or in writing.
• In a non-patronizing way and without over-assisting, ask the individual if you can help with filling out forms or explaining writing instructions.
• Wait for the individual to give you permission to assist. Let him or her have extra time for decision making.
• Be patient, flexible, and supportive. Take your time communicating so that everyone understands each other.