Disability Awareness and Etiquette in the Workplace đ
Languages: English, French, Spanish (North America)
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Creating and encouraging inclusion in the workplace can make a big impact on your employees and their work. Each member of your team is unique and should feel like they can express their identity freely without fear of rejection or judgment. In this subject, we look at a variety of principles associated with disability etiquette and awareness to help learners be more supportive of co-workers with disabilities and make their workplace more inclusive for all employees. It is recommended that learners take the Understanding Disabilities training prior to the topics in this course to help them understand important terms and concepts.
Languages: English, French, Spanish (North America)
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Creating and encouraging inclusion in the workplace can make a big impact on your employees and their work. Each member of your team is unique and should feel like they can express their identity freely without fear of rejection or judgment. In this subject, we look at a variety of principles associated with disability etiquette and awareness to help learners be more supportive of co-workers with disabilities and make their workplace more inclusive for all employees. It is recommended that learners take the Understanding Disabilities training prior to the topics in this course to help them understand important terms and concepts.
Languages: English, French, Spanish (North America)
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: Creating and encouraging inclusion in the workplace can make a big impact on your employees and their work. Each member of your team is unique and should feel like they can express their identity freely without fear of rejection or judgment. In this subject, we look at a variety of principles associated with disability etiquette and awareness to help learners be more supportive of co-workers with disabilities and make their workplace more inclusive for all employees. It is recommended that learners take the Understanding Disabilities training prior to the topics in this course to help them understand important terms and concepts.
Topics
How to be an Ally for Co-Workers with Disabilities
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In this topic, youâll learn a variety of best practices you can use to make sure youâre showing respect and support for your co-workers with disabilities. You will also learn what kinds of things you should avoid doing and why. The content taught in this topic will help make your workplace a more inclusive and positive place to work.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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Translated content is typically AI-generated, and in some instances, it's been human-reviewed. Review the list below for translation details within this topic.
English
French
Questions = human-translated
Video = AI-translated
Spanish
Questions = human-translated
Video = AI-translated
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Recognize that everyone works differently, and some people may require adjustments or resources to work productively in this workplace. This will help create a more supportive and inclusive workplace for everyone.
Donât make assumptions about what co-workers with disabilities can or canât do, how they feel, or about how their disability could affect their work performance.
Donât try to define or label a co-workerâs disability. Itâs not helpful and can create bias, negativity, and tension in your work environment.
Donât ask your co-workers about their disability. Respect their privacy if they donât want to talk about it.
Make sure you understand your companyâs reasonable accommodation and inclusion policies and processes, so you know how it works if you or a co-worker need to use it.
Be patient because some co-workers with disabilities may communicate and interact in different ways than you, which can make it take longer to do, say, or understand things.
When speaking with a co-worker with a disability, rephrase your own words or ask them to repeat or clarify theirs if youâre having trouble understanding each other.
Make all company events, both formal and informal, accessible so everyone can fully participate in them.
Avoid ableist, negative, outdated, or offensive language and jokes about people with disabilities. Regardless of the situation or people present, it can create an unpleasant and hostile work environment.
Put the person first when speaking about co-workers with disabilities (i.e., persons with disabilities, not disabled people) or use the terminology preferred by the person with a disability when talking about or to them, so they feel respected.
Keep pathways, hallways, ramps, and universal restrooms in your workplace clear to make sure theyâre available to everyone.
Tips for Working with Co-Workers with Disabilities
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There are many different types of disabilities, and while there are some practices that are helpful to everyone, there are some more specific things you can do to help support your co-workers more effectively. In this topic, youâll learn some tips to respectfully ask if a co-worker needs help, and how to with them or their support person. Weâll also go over some helpful information about interacting with people who have full or partial blindness, hearing loss or impairment, or who have service animals or mobility devices.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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Translated content is typically AI-generated, and in some instances, it's been human-reviewed. Review the list below for translation details within this topic.
English
French
Questions = human-translated
Video = AI-translated
Spanish
Questions = human-translated
Video = AI-translated
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Be respectful of a co-worker with a disabilityâs personal space, including their wheelchair, cane, scooter, or other assistive tools or devices. Donât touch them or their assistive tools without permission.
If youâre not sure if or how you can help a co-worker with disabilities, ask them, and donât assume you know what they need help with.
If you ask a co-worker with a disability if they need help and they say ânoâ, respect their answer. Donât continue to ask them.
Speak directly to a co-worker with a disability, even if they have a support person. Itâs impolite and can make them feel ignored or unimportant.
When speaking to a co-worker with a disability, turn your body towards them and give them your full attention. This shows them respect and that you are focused on the conversation.
Before speaking to a co-worker who is deaf or has hearing loss, get their attention, then speak clearly and at a normal volume.
When giving directions to a co-worker who has vision loss, make sure youâre very specific and let them know about any obstacles or hazards in the area.
When speaking or helping a co-worker who is blind or visually impaired, identify yourself, as well as any others who are present, when you arrive or are leaving.
When appropriate, sit or stand at eye-level when speaking to a co-worker with disabilities. This will help prevent them from feeling inferior or childlike.
Donât interact with a co-workerâs service animal when it is working.
Ask for permission before talking to or touching a co-workerâs service animal.
