This is something about disability etiquette.
Many a times, when we see a person with a disability, we do not know how to approach or engage them. If that person is being accompanied by a normally-abled friend, family member or interpreter, you tend to speak to them.
Persons with disabilities have their own voice. It may not be verbal but in other forms like signing, gesturing or texting.
When you see them, do not be shy. Just approach them and ask them what is the best way to communicate with them. I am sure they will be more than happy to share with you.
During this festive season, if you see a person with a disability at a social function, just come by and say Hi to that person. Better still, have a conversation with that person. These individuals have many stories to share!
If you see me there, please pick up my bluetooth keyboard and type me a message!
Tan Siew Ling is fully Deafblind, having lost both her sight and hearing to the neurological condition Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). She carries a braille device, affectionately named "Little BI", wherever she goes. Her humour, love of wordplay and penchant for puns keep her friends on their toes. In her free time, she enjoys reading books and writing down her thoughts—often on a whim—which she occasionally shares on social media, much to the amusement of her readers. When she's not reading or writing, you'll likely find her swinging a 20kg kettlebell, throwing a 9kg slam ball, or powering through a pair of 15kg battle ropes. Nothing too strenuous. You can find out more about Siew Ling and her journey here.