People tell us often that they aren't always sure about how to communicate with someone who has a disability.  They worry about talking or acting in a way that is offensive.

Remember that a person with a disability is a person with feelings just like you. Treat him or her as you would want to be treated.  Let common sense and friendship break down any barriers you may encounter. Think about these Ten Commandments of Communicating with a Person with Disabilties as you get to know the person as an individual.

• Speak directly to the person rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter.
• Offer to shake hands when introduced. People with limited hand use or an artificial limb can usually shake hands; offering the left hand is an acceptable greeting.
• Always identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone with a visual disability. When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.
• If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions.
• Treat adults as adults. Address people with disabilities by their first names only when extending that same familiarity to all others. Never patronize people in wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder.
• Do not lean against or hang on someone's wheelchair. Bear in mind that people with disabilities treat their chairs as extensions of their bodies. And so do people with guide dogs and help dogs. Never distract a work animal from their job without the owner's permission.
• Listen attentively when talking with people who have difficulty speaking and wait for them to finish. If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, or a nod of the head. Never pretend to understand; instead repeat what you understood and allow the person to respond.
• Place yourself at eye level when speaking with someone in a wheelchair or on crutches.
• Tap a person who has a hearing disability on the shoulder or wave your hand to get his or her attention. Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips.
• Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as "See you later" or "Did you hear about this?" that seem to relate to a person's
  vision or hearing disability.  Just continue chatting - like you would do with any friend.