Disability Etiquette Guide from United Spinal Association
The first Disability Etiquette Guide was published shortly after the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act by the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans of America, which became United Spinal Association in 2004. It was written by Terence Moakley and James Weisman and, over the years, has introduced countless people worldwide to our broad and diverse disability community.
We updated this edition with 21st-century sensibilities in mind. But the basics, as laid out by Moakley and Weisman, are still the same: People with disabilities are people first. They deserve dignity and respect, as do all people everywhere.
We hope this guide and the tips offered make interacting with members of the disability community more comfortable, leading to increased understanding and improved accessibility
for all.