How do you avoid hurting a persons feelings when they are disable?

The biggest thing is to treat them as the person they are, not a disability. It also helps to plan activities that everyone in a group can participate in and don't give someone a hard time if they are unable to do something.

Most hurting of feelings comes from you being uncomfortable around people that are disabled. One of my close friends is a dwarf and you know you draw attention when you are less than 4 feet high. Another has autism and still another has an issue with walking and getting in and out of chairs. In each case, remind yourself that they are not a dwarf, or autistic person, or handicapped. They are a person, just like you. They may be Jim, Jennifer, or John. They are a person. They have dreams, they have food tastes, they have fun, just like you. And if, for example, my dwarf friend needs me to reach something for her, she just asks. If my handicapped friend needs help getting out of a chair, he just asks me. Most disabled people do not want to be defined by their disability. Though their appearance and daily routine may be different from yours, they are still people, just like you. Remember that, act accordingly, and you will be fine.

Just make sure that you don't see them as disabled. See them as the person they are without the disability, and you will realize that it's the same person as the one with the disability. Try making a list of parts of that person's identity. Pretend that you're describing them to somebody, and instead of saying "my friend in the wheelchair," say "my charismatic friend who loves life!"

I'm going to tell you what I know from personal experience. I have a birth injury and a lot of people seem to let that define me as an individual. I have one piece of advice and that's to treat that person the same as you would treat any other person without a disability. Don't treat them like a charity case. They are still humans.

Instead of hurting them, support them and accept them for who they are, treat them the way you want to be treated.

I suppose it depends on what you're trying to say to this person. I think it's just important to reflect on and to communicate that you love them, value them and what they bring to your life. Sometimes (and this is different for everyone) but sometimes people with disabilities can feel like they don't contribute enough/bring enough to the relationship etc. I think it's true for everyone that it's really nice to hear that you're valued just for being who you are. The best thing you can probably do is step into their shoes and have a think how your life would be different and how the things people say and do would affect you. The other thing is just be open and honest! If you don't know what to say let them know! Let them know that you're worried about hurting their feelings but this is how you feel or that you're struggling to know what to say etc. Just knowing that a loved one or friend is trying to understand what you're going through, and is being considerate of your feelings can go a really long way :) Good luck and hope something in here helps :) You're thinking about it so you're definitely on the right track, Take care

I think that to the furthest extent you respectfully can, you should treat them as if they weren't.

Don't focus on their disability. Disabled doesn't mean useless, and if what is bothering you is focused on their disability you either need to think of a solution for yourself as to not hurt the person's feelings and putting off the potential of a great friends or not say anything at all. People with disabilities try their hardest to be like everyone else and the best way to address them and any situation is through positivity and patience.

Well, I work with disabled people all the time. I like o hang out with them as much as possible, so we're more comfortable around each other.