Don’t worry, this isn’t just another article focusing on political correctness. It’s about learning strategies on how to be a better individual by treating others who are different than you more equitably. Close your eyes and imagine someone who is disabled. Are they in a wheelchair? Do they look damaged? This is the the problem I am concerned with: a lot of people associate disability stereotypical look. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over a billion people live with some form of disability.

We need to not consider ourselves the norm and be aware others viewpoints. Before we judge, we should consider whether we would want to be judged and treated poorly for our differences. We need to be respectful to others, as we have not walked a mile in their shoes. Disabled individuals often get the short end of the stick when it comes to human decency because of a few. Nearly 11% of college students have some sort of disability, making these skills invaluable (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics).

Here’s what you can do to be an ally to those with disabilities:

Avoid Passing Judgment.
It may be difficult to re-work your thinking when you see an adult having a meltdown, but it may be best to assume you don’t know their situation. It’s about giving people the benefit of the doubt. Judgment can be positive or negative, so remember to refrain from acting like someone is adorable because they’re disabled. I see this a lot online and I think it is integral to recognize it's inappropriate and unwarranted.

Be Forward Thinking.
Accessibility is sexy. Whether you are hosting a cocktail party or heading out to brunch, it would be thoughtful to consider all your guests’ needs. Does your best friend's wheelchair fit through your main door? Do you need to make restroom accommodations for anyone? The key is to be cognizant of the problems anyone could have. Not all disabilities are obvious, so it is important to establish a safe and comfortable space for everyone when housing guests for any period of time.

Use Positive Language.
Don’t say "retarded" or other offensive words. It’s that simple. Casual conversation can get tricky but remember to think before you speak. It’s probably not the best idea to speak to someone in a slow or loud voice, or make any assumptions. Positive language means using words that are kind and constructive.

Ask Questions!
“There’s no stupid question. Stupid people don’t ask questions”. When in doubt, ask! Asking people questions shows that you genuinely care about their thoughts.. To avoid being insensitive, keep a calm tone and always err on the side of caution. There’s no golden rule for speaking to someone politely but it’s probably best to avoid asking how that individual became disabled or anything about bathroom issues. Be an advocate by speaking up for those who cannot. Report abuse, fight injustice, and use words of support and compassion to help when you can.

Be Nice. Be Useful.
At the end of the day, just be a decent human being. Sure, that’s open to interpretation and our manners may differ, but we can find some common ground by avoiding cruel words, being nonjudgmental and being thoughtful. If you have offended someone the first step is to recognize what went wrong. Always apologize sincerely and make sure to change your behavior for the better.