Which practice is recommended when interacting with a person with a disability?

• A. Offer assistance should the person need it.
• B. Assume they need help.
• C. Do not offer help.
• D. Only communicate with a chaperone.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to respect a person’s independence by offering help only when it’s appropriate and wanted. You start by recognizing that needs vary, so a polite invitation to help—like, “Would you like some help with that?”—allows the person to control the situation. This approach shows consideration without assuming they want or need assistance, which preserves dignity and autonomy.

If you assume they need help, it can feel patronizing and undermine their independence, even if you have good intentions. Not offering help at all can create unnecessary barriers or discomfort, implying you’re not paying attention. Relying on a chaperone to communicate or interact with the person also sidelines the individual and reduces their agency.

So the best practice is to offer help respectfully and wait for their response, supporting autonomy while being ready to assist if they ask.