How many people in the United States are disabled?
1 in every 5 Americans has some level of a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2001. In 1997, 53 million people reported having some level of disability, while 1 in 8, or 33 million, reported having a severe disability.

What is a disability exactly?
By definition, a disability is a condition that limits a person's ability to walk, talk, reason, etc. A severe disability will keep a person from performing daily activities. There are many different disabilities. Some you can see while others are less apparent. Common disabilities include blind/visual impairments, deaf/hearing impairments, speech disorders, loss of limbs, mobility impairments and mental impairments.

How do I treat someone with a disability?
For any disability it is important to consider the "person" first rather than the disability. People with disabilities are like everyone else. They have the same needs and many of the same responsibilities. They even have the same challenges put before them daily. The management of these challenges, however, may differ. Overall, remember that people with disabilities are just like you and they want to be treated with respect and integrity.

What should I keep in mind when dealing with someone with a disability?
When interacting with a person with a disability you will want to do the following: use common sense; be understanding; be natural; be yourself; be considerate; be patient; maintain eye contact; speak directly to the person; and, don't assume because they are disabled they are sick.

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In today's society what is the biggest obstacle probably put before a person with a disability?
Attitudes. If you see someone with a disability never be afraid that you are going to say or do the wrong thing. In so many instances people avoid those with disabilities because they are afraid. But, afraid of what? Disabilities are not contagious.

Can you give me suggestions on how to act around someone with a disability?
First and foremost, treat people with disabilities like you want to be treated. Do not smother them with kindness and pity. Do not shun them. To do either indicates prejudice. Always speak directly to a person who has a disability. Even if they have someone to assist him or her such as a sign language interpreter or personal assistant, speak directly to them. Many people who are deaf can read lips to some degree. People who are blind listen to your voice and can tell the direction in which you speak. Individuals with spinal cord injuries may require a wheelchair for mobility, but this does not mean they cannot see or hear or are even sick. Never be afraid to ask to assist someone with a disability. Wait for a reply or nonverbal indication of what is needed. This will eliminate confusion on whether you should help, how to assist them, and it allows the person with the disability to be in control of the situation.

Wheelchair Users
The wheelchair is an extension of the person who uses it. Do not lean on it or move it without asking permission. NEVER move any type of adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, walker, etc.) outside of the person's reach.

Always try to sit in a chair when having a lengthy conversation with someone whom uses a wheelchair. This will prevent both parties from developing a sore neck. For shorter conversations stand a few feet away to avoid a strained neck.

Make sure the brakes are on before assisting a person in or out of a wheelchair. Always ask how equipment works if you are unfamiliar with it.

Speech Impairments
Ask "yes" and "no" questions if possible. If you do not understand what it is being said, ask them to repeat it or to phrase it differently.

Be patient and do not interrupt. People with speech disorders want to be understood. Give them your full attention. Avoid noisy situations.

Blind/Visually Impaired
When walking with a blind/visually impaired individual always proceed at a normal pace. You will want to hesitate slightly before stepping up or down. You may also want to offer your arm for assistance. Let the person take your arm. Do not take or grab their arm because he will not be able to anticipate your movements.

When reading information to a person who is blind/visually impaired do so word for word. Offer to read signs, menus, etc.

If a service dog is accompanying the person, ignore the animal and allow the owner to direct the dog as needed. Never distract, pet or feed the dog. Always let those who are blind/visually impaired know when you are leaving.

Deafness
Get the person's attention before speaking. A tap on the shoulder or a hand wave will do. Provide a clear view of your mouth and speak expressively. Individuals who are deaf will rely on facial expressions, gestures and body movements to understand you. Remember shouting will be of no help.

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Are there words and phrases that are suggested when referring to someone with a disability?
Kathie Snow has put something together called, "People First Language." According to Kathie, she recommends the following:

Are there facts or statistics on how many people with disabilities vote in an election?
Yes. The following information on voters with disabilities was released by the National Organization on Disabilities recently:

	There are 54 million people with disabilities in America. Of these 54 million people, 26 million have a severe disability.
	Most disabilities are invisible. Invisible disabilities include cancer, diabetes, some forms of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, AIDS, heart disease, learning disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, brain injury, etc.
	People with disabilities register to vote at a rate that is 16 percentage points less than the rest of the population.
	There are more than 35 million voting-age persons with disabilities. · In the 1996 presidential election, 11.6 million Americans with disabilities did vote; 23.5 million Americans with disabilities of voting age did not vote.
	In the 1996 presidential election, 30% of people with disabilities of voting age voted; 50% of the voting-age population at large voted.
	Persons with disabilities who are employed vote at the same rate as their non-disabled peers.
	70% of people with disabilities are unemployed.
	Older non-disabled Americans has a high rate of voter turnout. Older Americans with disabilities have a low rate of voter turnout.
	If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as the rest of America, there would have been at least 5 million more votes cast in the 1996 presidential election.

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