There are many types and degrees of physical disabilities, and not all require a wheelchair. People who have arthritis, heart or lung conditions or amputations may also have difficulty with moving, standing or sitting. It may be difficult to identify a person with a physical disability.

Here are some tips on serving customers who have physical disabilities:

• Speak normally and directly to your customer. Don’t speak to someone who is with them.
• People with physical disabilities often have their own ways of doing things. Ask before you help.
• Be patient. Customers will identify their needs to you. 
• Don't touch assistive devices, including wheelchairs, unnecessarily unless it’s an emergency.
• Provide your customer information about accessible features of the immediate environment (automatic doors, accessible washrooms, etc.).
• Remove obstacles and rearrange furniture to ensure clear passage.

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