|
After years of working
with those who are challenged by mental and physical disabilities,
I am sometimes still amazed to see how uncomfortable many people
become when they interact with a person who has a disability. It
is not uncommon to overhear someone talking loudly to a person who
is visually impaired, or see people stare unabashedly at someone
who has a mental or developmental disability. Worse yet, some people
will just simply ignore those challenged by disabilities altogether.
When confronted with
a person who is viewed as being "different" from the "norm," I think
many people forget two fundamental guidelines for behavior: We are
all human and we all deserve to be treated with respect.
Please keep the following
tips in mind during your encounters with those who have a disability:
- When speaking with a person in a wheelchair, don't tower over
them. Instead, sit down and converse at their eye level.
- If it looks like a person with a disability might need assistance,
ask first. Don't assume they need help. Remember that all people
have capabilities.
- Always use an age-appropriate tone of voice. Don't use "baby
talk."
- Be sensitive to the feelings of those with disabilities. Don't
stare or make comments about their behavior and/or appearance.
- If someone has difficulty speaking, do not pretend to understand
their speech if you are having difficulty doing so. Ask them
to repeat what they said or ask someone else for assistance.
- Gently tap a hearing-impaired person on the shoulder or wave
your hand to get their attention. Since some persons with hearing
impairments can read lips, make an effort to speak clearly and
slowly. Keep hands, cigarettes, and food away from your mouth
when speaking.
- Relax! See the person; not just the disability.
St.
Joseph's Villa
Helping children, families and our community since
1834
|
