Be Positive
Take things light-heartedly and smile. Always remember - person first, disability second. Instead of focusing on the disability, focus on having a positive interaction with the individual. Remember that spending time with the individuals is what is important. Be patient, flexible and supportive. Take time to understand the individual and make sure they understand you.
Open Communication
Speak directly to the person you are working with, not to their caretaker. Treat people with special needs in an age-appropriate manner - don't talk down to them. Don't be offended by a lack of response; it may take them a little longer to respond. Remember: hearing and visual disabilities/impairments are often invisible.
Lend A Helping Hand
First, identify yourself and ask if the individual would like assistance - don't assume they want or need help; it's important to allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to be independent. Allow the individual to tell you how you can best help them.
Wheelchair Hints
When listening to a person in a wheelchair, try to stay at their eye level. Pull up a chair and sit for an extended conversation. If the individual is capable of wheeling their own chair, allow and encourage them to do so. If you are wheeling the chair, make sure that clothing will not drag on the floor or get caught in the wheels. Unlock the hand brakes. If you are entering an elevator, be sure to back the wheelchair into the elevator to avoid catching the smaller front wheels in the gap.
Blind / Low Vision
When speaking with someone who is blind or has vision impairments, let them know when you are leaving. If you are acting as a guide, offer your elbow rather than grabbing their arm or pushing them. Give information about where you are moving and any obstacles in the way. In group discussions, identify who you are speaking to. If you are giving a presentation or demonstration, describe all the things you show or do, and allow for presentations that can be heard or felt, not just seen. Inform participants if you have moved furniture, or the room is set up differently than normal.
Hearing Impairments
Do not look or walk away from a person who is hearing impaired while talking to them, as this makes it harder for them to hear you. Speaking loudly or extremely slowly often does not help individuals with hearing aids. Speak clearly and naturally.
Cognitive Disabilities
It is not always obvious from the start that a person has a cognitive disability - and there are many types of disabilities. Remember that people with a physical disability do not necessarily have a cognitive disability. Always start from the highest expectation regarding intellectual skills and capacities when interacting with people with a disability, and if needed, adapt gradually. Be patient and supportive, stay positive, and explain things in different ways to help the individual understand.
