Generalizing here, as kids in the U.S. we used to be taught to never mention or ask about someone's disability, no matter how curious we were. I definely remember a time later (with PSAs and all) where some of those who were disabled lamented that they were actually sad no one asked them about it, and everyone looked at them stone faced and grimly; but in fact they would rather answer questions and didn't mind a joke or two.

"Jimmay!"