Guidelines for acting with disabled

Press, 26 November 1981, Page 22

Guidelines for acting with disabled

“Access," the news review of the Crippled Children Society, has drawn up and published guidelines on how to act when meeting a person who has a disability.

® Remember that a disabled person is a person like anyone else; ® Relax. If you do not know what to do or say. allow the disabled person to help put you at ease;

® Explore your mutual interests in a friendly way. The person very likely has many interests besides those connected with the disability;

® Offer help if asked or if the need seems obvious, but do not overdo it or insist on it. Respect the person s right to indicate the kind of help needed;

O Talk about the disability if it comes up naturally, without prying. Be guided by the wishes of the person with the disability;

® Appreciate what the person can do. Remember that difficulties the person mav

be facing may stem from society’s attitudes and barriers rather than from the disability;

®Be considerate of the extra time it might take a disabled person to get things said or done. Let the person set the pace in walking or talking:

® Speak direct to the disabled person. Do not consider a companion to be a conversational go-between. ® Never start to push a wheelchair without first asking the occupant if you may do so:

® When pushing a wheelchair up or down steps, ramps, curbs or other obstructions. ask the person how they want you to proceed:

® Do not lean on a person’s wheelchair when talking;

® Give whole, unhurried attention to the person who has difficulty speaking. Do not talk for the person, but give help when needed Keep your

manner encouraging rather than correcting. When necessary, ask questions that require short answers or a nod or shake of the head.

® Speak slowly, calmly, and distinctly to a person who has a hearing problem or other difficulty understanding. Stand in front of the person and use gestures to aid communication. When full understanding is doubtful, write notes;

® When dining with a person who has trouble cutting, offer to help if needed. (It mav be easier to ask if the person would prefer to have the food cut in the kitchen.) Explain to a person who has a visual problem where dishes, utensils, and condiments are on the table; and, • Be alert to the possible existence of architectural barriers in places you want to enter with a disabled person. Watch for inadequate lignting whicn inhibits communication by persons who have hearing problems.