When assisting customers with disabilities, what is the general guideline for providing physical help?

When assisting customers with disabilities, the most respectful and appropriate approach is to only assist if the customer requests it. This practice acknowledges the customer's independence and autonomy, allowing them to specify how they would like to be helped. It is essential to remember that individuals with disabilities may have varying levels of comfort with receiving assistance, and some might prefer to manage without help.

Offering assistance without asking could be perceived as patronizing or intrusive, disregarding the customer’s ability to communicate their needs. It's essential to respect personal boundaries, and this method maintains a level of dignity for the customer.

While asking for permission is considerate, doing so each time might be overly cautious and could hinder the flow of service. Instead, providing help only upon request reinforces the principle of respecting the customer's choice and personal space. Assisting without question can also lead to misunderstandings, as well as feelings of frustration for the customer if the help is unwelcome. Thus, the best practice is to wait for a customer's request before providing assistance.