If you have a Lessons Learned submission, please email it to CorpsLakes@usace.army.mil
Communication Skills
When interacting with a person with a disability, use the same courtesy you would apply to your communications with anyone. Speak directly to the person, not his or her companion. Treat a mature person as an adult, not like a child. It's OK to offer assistance but don't interfere if your offer is not accepted.
Some examples of appropriate language are:
| Put the Person First | Inappropriate |
| Person with a disability | Disabled person/cripple |
| Person who uses a wheelchair | Handicapped people/the handicapped |
| Person who is deaf | Deaf and dumb |
| Person with a learning disability | Slow/retard |
| Accessible facilities | Handicapped facilities |
ADA Door Opener
You might want to consider having ADA door openers checked at your projects and other locations. The opener was attached to the door trim with wood screws. The wood screws were not of sufficient length to adequately penetrate the substrate. The door trim was attached to the wall with finishing nails. The extra weight of the opener and frequent opening and closing caused the finishing nails and wood screws to work loose. The opener was an add-on that was installed by a supplier about three years ago.
