>From the web page
http://www.nod.org/vote2000/citizensatpolls.html

National Organization on Disability

Poll Workers' Tip Sheet: A Guide for Working with Voters with
Disabilities at the Polls

As Americans with disabilities increasingly participate in the
life of their communities, more of them will want to vote in
person at the polls rather than use absentee ballots. To assist
election officials, poll workers and disability organizations
cooperating with them, the National Easter Seals Society and the
National Organization on Disability have produced this
information sheet with suggestions for making voting easier for
all concerned.

Common Courtesies & Guidelines

  * Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person
    who has a disability or is elderly to get things done, and
    give unhurried attention to a person who has some difficulty
    speaking.
  * Speak directly to the person who has a disability rather
    than to a companion who may be along.
  * Speak calmly, slowly and directly to a person with a hearing
    problem. Your facial expressions, gestures, and body
    movements help in understanding. Don't shout or speak in the
    person's ear. If full understanding is doubtful, write a
    note to the person with the hearing problem.
  * Before pushing someone in a wheelchair, ask if you may do so
    and how you should proceed.
  * Greet a person who is visually impaired by letting the
    person know who and where you are. Provide a guiding device
    such as a ruler or card for signing forms. When offering
    walking assistance, allow the person to take your arm and
    tell him or her when you are approaching inclines, or
    turning right or left.
  * Be aware that animals who assist people with disabilities
    should be admitted into all buildings. Such animals are
    highly trained and need no special care other than that
    provided by the owner. One should not interfere with the
    animal's responsibilities by talking to or playing with
    them.
  * Be aware that federal law allows voters with disabilities to
    be accompanied by and receive assistance from another person
    of their choice in the voting booth.
  * Remember that all voters deserve courteous attention in
    exercising their rights as citizens to vote.
  * Persons with psychiatric or mental disabilities have the
    same right to exercise their franchise as anyone else,
    although a few states have specific laws regarding these
    citizens' voting rights. Be mindful that it is not the poll
    worker's responsibility to pass judgment.

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