Having courtesy means to be considerate of others and their feelings. Being courteous is one of the best ways to show respect for another person. You can show courtesy to others by being responsible, being honest, communicating effectively with others, apologizing when you’ve done something wrong, and being polite in your conversations. Being courteous also includes being respectful of others’ belongings.
A person with a disability may use a wheelchair, crutches, braces, white cane, guide dog, hearing aids, emotional support animal, and/or motorized mobility devices when going about their day-to-day activities. It’s important to remember that these items are not toys. They should never be touched or used without first getting permission from the owner. Like mentioned before, these items are not toys. As a matter of fact, refraining from asking to use or touch these types of belongings is a form of showing courtesy.
Students With Disabilities Scenario #5:
By yourself or in small groups, read the following scenario. Then, answer the discussion questions.
You’re going to your local library to do some dramaturgy research for a play you’re a part of. When you enter the library, you notice a man and his dog walking in your direction. The dog is wearing a vest that says “service animal” on it. The dog is very cute and looks well-behaved. You’ve seen some dogs and cats before that wear the “service animal” vests, but you’re not quite sure what it means. Whenever you take your dog on walks, you always allow others to pet your dog. You’d like to pet the dog in the library, but you’re not sure if you should.
- In this situation, why do you think the owner might not want you to pet their dog?
- What kind of services do you think the dog provides for the man?
- How are the service dog’s role and responsibilities different from other dogs that aren’t service animals?
- How might petting the service dog negatively affect the dog or the man’s daily activities?
- Hint: Do you think petting the service dog would teach the dog that it’s okay to be distracted from performing its duties in helping the man?
- How might petting the service dog negatively affect the dog or the man’s daily activities?
- Why would keeping yourself from petting and even asking the man if you can pet his dog as a form of showing courtesy?
Download Learn More About: Showing Courtesy To Others & Their Belongings (English) here.