Quantcast
Channel: The Teaching Box » educational
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 14

Tips for Working with the Disabled

0
0

Tips for Working with the Disabled

Photo by Ash Kyd / Flickr

 

Perhaps you are training for a career working with people with disabilities, or have taken on a volunteer job where you can help. You might also have a co-worker who is disabled. Quite a large percentage of the population has a physical disability of some sort while 11 percent have a mental disability.

 

Individuals are sometimes hurt in an accident that leaves them disabled; others came into the world that way due to a congenital or genetic disorder and have never known any different. Disabilities can range from physical to intellectual or mental health-related. Regardless of how they became disabled, these individuals are people, too, and should be treated as such.

 

Along those same lines, there are extra steps that you can take to ensure that you are treating disabled people with respect without drawing attention to their handicap. They want to fit in with their able-bodied associates and co-workers and you should do your best to treat them in a way they will feel comfortable. Below is a list of tips for working with people with disabilities and why you might need a certificate iii in disability.

 

  • When you talk to people with disabilities, speak to them instead of speaking directly to their helper or interpreter.

  • Upon introduction, do not offer to shake hands. If the person has an artificial hand or arm, go ahead and shake what they extend to you. It is appropriate to instead touch them lightly on the shoulder or nod warmly.

  • Never refer to the individual’s disability first; always refer to the individual first. On the same note, it is more appropriate to say “person with disability” rather than “the disabled.” Consider their skills and strengths instead of focus on their disability.

  • If it isn’t obvious what their disability is, it is best to let them bring it up.

  • Treat assisting aids like wheelchairs, crutches or service animals as an extension of the person. Don’t move the item without permission.

  • If you want to help the person with the disability, ask first and wait for them to accept. If they decline, do not assist them.

  • People with disabilities are just like us. They want us to talk to them like we would address a friend. Feel free to use common, everyday expressions like “See you later.”

  • Use a normal tone with speaking to a person with a disability and do not increase the volume of your voice unless they ask you to.

  • Always ask the person to repeat themselves if you don’t understand what they are saying – don’t pretend to understand. Offer a pen and paper if appropriate.

  • Steer clear of terms like “brave” or “special” when referring to or speaking to a person with a disability.

  • When you make a mistake, apologize and correct from the problem. Without mistakes, we don’t learn.

  • Be considerate of the fact that it may take someone with a disability a little longer to accomplish a task or say something.

  • Consider special accommodations the person with a disability might need during an event or party and make arrangement beforehand.

 

Adam prattler is owning a mobile storage in san diego. He really loves to help  disabled people. This idea of helping others inspire him to write an article on this topic. He also has a huge stuff of images related to this topic.


Share this post on your Favorite Social Network

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 14

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images