Tips for Those with a Disability
Navigating Through Airport Security
 Disabled people often require special screening…. Remember to factor additional time into your travel plans to accommodate this. - You may request a pat down in lieu of going through the walk-through metal detector or being hand-wanded. (You do not need to disclose why you would like this option.)
- If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in the wanding area or go to a private area for your screening. (If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly.)
- You may ask for a chair if you need to sit down during the screening process.
- If you have a disability condition or implant that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the screener to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.
- People with hidden disabilities should advise screeners that they have a hidden disability and may need some assistance, or need to move a bit more slowly than others.
- Family members or traveling companions can advise screeners when they are traveling with someone who has a hidden disability, which may cause that person to move a little slower, become agitated easily, and/or need additional attention.
- Family members or traveling companions can offer suggestions to screeners on the best way to approach and deal with the person with a hidden disability, especially when it is necessary to touch the person during a pat-down inspection.
- If you have a medical device (implanted on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the walk-through metal detector or be hand-wanded.
- TSA recommends that you bring the tools and appliances that you use to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc…), should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason. (TSA allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened.)
Cooking single handed - How to break an egg with one hand
by Robin Kettle
As a disabled person with the use of one hand only, I was shown how to break an egg when you have a weak grip or difficulty using both hands due to arthritis, stroke or injury.
- First, take hold of the egg so that the widest part is facing down (not the pointed end).
- Place the egg about 12 inches above a glass dish.
- Drop the egg - sounds crazy but the egg shell will (9 times out of 10) break clean in half leaving the yoke completely in tact.
- Simply remove the two halves of shell and hey presto one egg out of its shell with the yoke intact!
You might need to practice a bit, trying different heights, but after a few attempts you will get it right every time. Do not hit the edge of the dish, because if this happens the egg will break unevenly. Once done, simply peel the shells apart.
Tips for applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for social security disability and SSI benefits can be difficult due to how long a claim may take and the high chance of being denied. But those who are denied disability can win benefits by utilizing the appeals process. To increase the chances of winning, applicants should learn about the system and file an appeal when a claim is denied.
Click Here for a helpful web site.
How to Relate to Those with a Disability
Ask Before You Help
Just because someone has a disability, don’t assume they need help. Adults with disabilities want to be treated as independent people. Offer assistance only if the person appears to need it. And if they dowant help, ask how before you act.
Be Sensitive About Physical Contact
Some people with disabilities depend on their arms for balance. Grabbing them—even if your intention is to assist—could knock them off balance. Avoid patting a person on the head or touching his wheelchair, scooter or cane. People with disabilities consider their
equipment part of their personal space.
Think Before You Speak
Always speak directly to the person with a disability, not to his companion, aide or sign language interpreter. Making small talk with a person who has a disability is great; just talk to him as you would with anyone else. Respect his privacy. If you ask about his disability, he may feel like you are treating him as a disability, not as a human being. (However, many people with disabilities are comfortable with children’s natural curiosity and do not mind if a child asks them questions. And some individuals may want to share what happened in their life that caused them to have a disability.)
Don't Make Assumptions
People with disabilities are the best judge of what they can or cannot do. Don’t make decisions for them about participating in any activity. Depending on the situation, it could be a violation of the ADA to exclude people because of a presumption about their
limitations.
Respond Graciously to Requests
When people who have a disability ask for an accommodation at your business, it is not a complaint. It shows they feel comfortable enough in your establishment to ask for what they need. And if they get a positive response, they will probably come back again and tell their friends about the good service they received.
For an excellent resource on Disability Etiquette, go to:
http://www.unitedspinal.org/pdf/DisabilityEtiquette.pdf
To Serve a Person Who:
Has a Visual Impairment:
- If the person asks for assistance in guiding them around, offer your arm for the person to take; do NOT take hold of the person's arm. Keep the person informed of where you both are and what's coming as you walk. Mention things like level changes in the floor or ground, turns, entrance into a building, and exiting.
- Put your arm behind you when walking through a doorway. The person being guided will thus be walking behind you as you go through the doorway.
Has a Hearing Impairment:
- Ask the person how the two of you can best communicate: by speaking or writing.
- If you speak to the person, speak as you would to anyone else. Look at the person at all times and don't block your face or mouth, as the person might be lip-reading.
- If a sign language interpreter is with the person, speak directly to the person as if the interpreter were not there.
Has a Communication Impairment:
- Use simple, short sentences and words that are easy to understand but be sure you treat the person with respect.
- Give the person a little more time than you give most people to respond to what you said.
- If you do not understand what the person is saying ask them to repeat it. Make sure you do understand; do NOT pretend to understand.
Has a Speech Impairment:
- Give all your attention to what the person is saying; do NOT fill in the ends of the person's sentences.
- If you think you understand part of what the person is saying, ask questions the person can answer with a nod or shake of the head.
- Ask the person to repeat anything you don't understand.
- If you don't understand even after repetition, ask the person to write down AND repeat the message. (This will help you to understand the person's speech for future conversations.)
Uses a Wheelchair:
- Push the wheelchair ONLY if the person asks: do NOT lean or rest on the chair.
- If you have a conversation with the person squat down so you are at eye level with the person while you're talking.
- Treat adults in a manner befitting adults. Do not patronize people in wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.
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