Disabled people want only to live independently with a proper amount of dignity.
You can contribute to this by giving them the treatment that every individual deserves.
Remember that a disabled person is just like everyone else, except for the certain limiting factors of his or her disability.
Here are some quick tips for meeting a handicapped person:

• Ask if they would like help before you rush in with assistance.
  If they do want help, they will let you know how best to assist them.
  
• When you are speaking to someone in a wheelchair, have a seat, if one is available, instead of towering over them.
  
• Show patience.
  Let them set the pace when you walk and talk.
  
• When you are having a meal with someone who is disabled, don't offer to help cut their food.
  They will ask you or the waiter if they need help.
  
• Try to avoid embarrassing questions.
  Let them bring up the subject if they want to talk about their disability.
  
• A disability needs to be fully accepted, or simply taken for granted between friends.
  

Children and the Disabled: Children too young to have developed a sense of tact may stop and stare at a disabled person or ask embarrassing or inappropriate questions at the wrong time.
It's quite natural for a child to have curiosity, but they must learn that they should be considerate of other people's feelings.
In this case, consideration does not mean that one should ignore the disabled person.
To play pretend and overlook the disability is to make that person separate from the rest of society, which is something all disabled people are trying to avoid.
The Hearing Impaired: It's crucial to remember that patience plays a big part here.
Often it takes a little extra time to effectively communicate.
You might have to repeat what it is you're saying several times for them to understand you.
You mus not be impatient.
A deaf person is quite perceptive visually and will react to your visible signs of frustration and impatience.
You must also take the time to accustom yourself to their manner of speech.
It may sound strange at first, this is due to the hearing loss.
If you are not understanding, don't be afraid to ask them to slow down or to repeat what they have said.
The Blind: When you want to help a blind person you see on the street, ask if your assistance is wanted.
A blind person sometimes has the preference of getting along without any help.
If they do want hep, don't grab their arm.
You should instead offer your elbow.
This positions you to walk a half-step ahead of them and they can follow your body movement.
When dining with a blind person, you should again offer your elbow.
They know how to seat themselves.
Verbally outline how the table is set.
When the food gets there, describe for them where the items are placed on the plate as far as the side dishes.
Talk with them in a regular manner.
If you enter a room announce yourself by speaking or introducing yourself.
Excuse yourself when you are about to leave.
If they have a seeing eye dog, don't pet or bother the dog in any way.
It is working and needs its concentration in order to perform its duties.