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General Rules

• When interacting, speak directly to your client. If there is a companion or interpreter present, always direct your comment to your client.
  
• Respect your clients’ assistive devices (canes, wheelchairs, crutches, communication boards, etc.) as their personal property. Unless given specific and explicit permission, do not move, play with, or use them.
  
• Be considerate of the extra time it may take your client to transfer between exercise machines or complete an exercise routine.
  
• Never assume that your client needs your assistance. It is always polite to offer your assistance, but once you have offered, wait for a reply before acting. If your client accepts your offer, wait to be directed.
  
• Never assume in general. For example, not everyone with a mobility issue uses a wheelchair. Many disabilities can be hidden, such as learning differences, balance difficulties, etc., and may or may not be visible. So never assume, and get to know your client first.
  
• If you are uncertain about what to do when interacting with your client, ask. Most would rather answer a question about protocol than be in an uncomfortable situation.
  

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This fact sheet was last updated on 02-13-2009.