Speaking to Someone with a Disability. Be respectful, above all else. More examples of appropriate people first language.
Take your lead from the person you are interacting with.
It's worth noting that labeling norms vary a great deal between people and groups. In particular, many deaf, blind, and autistic individuals have rejected people-first language and prefer "identify-first" language
Never talk down to someone with a disability.
It is appropriate to slow down your speech for someone who is hard of hearing or has a cognitive disability. Equally, it may be acceptable to talk to people who have hearing loss in a louder than average voice, so that they are able to hear you.
Don’t feel like you have to reduce your vocabulary to the most basic words. The only time you may be asked to simplify your language, is if you are talking to someone who has a severe intellectual or communication difficulty.
Don’t use labels or offensive terms, especially in a casual way.
If you introduce someone with a disability, you don’t need to introduce the disability as well. If you use a common phrase like “I gotta run!” to someone in a wheelchair, don’t apologize. These types of phrases are not intended to be hurtful, and by apologizing you’ll simply be drawing attention to your awareness of her disability
Speak directly to the person, not to an aide or translator
Even if the person doesn't have typical listening body language (e.g. an autistic person who doesn't look at you), don't assume that they can't hear you.
Be patient and ask questions, if necessary.
Someone with a speech impediment might be particularly difficult to understand, so don’t rush her to talk faster and ask her to repeat herself if necessary.
Some people need extra time to process speech or turn their thoughts into spoken words (regardless of intellectual ability). It's okay if there are long pauses in the conversation.
Don't be afraid of asking about a person’s disability.
Assuming you know what her disability is can be offensive; it is better to ask than to presume knowledge
Recognize that some disabilities are not visible
Good habit to be in is to act kindly and considerately towards everyone; you can't know someone's situation by just looking at her.
Some disabilities vary from day to day: someone who needed a wheelchair yesterday might only need a cane today.