Navigating Interactions with Individuals with Disabilities

Navigating interactions with individuals with disabilities can sometimes be daunting if you’re unsure of the appropriate etiquette. However, with a few simple guidelines, you can communicate respectfully and effectively.
According to the CDC, a disability is a condition that may make it more challenging for someone to engage in certain activities or interact with the world around them. The ADA provides a similar definition, emphasizing limitations in one or more major life activities due to a physical or mental impairment.

Here's a guide to fostering respectful and person-centered interactions:

Adopt Person-First or Identity-First Language Use phrases like “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person” to emphasize the individual before the disability.

Remember these tips for person-first language:

Steer clear of outdated terms such as “handicapped” or phrases like “physically challenged.”
Say “person who uses a wheelchair” rather than “wheelchair-bound.”
When in doubt about language preferences, just ask.
Refrain from using terms like “victim” that imply helplessness.

Engage in Direct Communication When meeting someone with a disability, address them directly rather than speaking through a companion or interpreter. Offer a handshake or a friendly gesture to show you acknowledge their presence.

Allow the individual to lead any discussion related to their disability and respect their choice to decline assistance. People with disabilities are the best judges of what they need and do not need help with.

Interacting with Individuals with Physical Disabilities Assistive devices like wheelchairs and walkers are part of an individual’s personal space and should be respected as such.

Key pointers include:

Don’t make assumptions about what the person can or cannot do.
If speaking with someone in a wheelchair, consider sitting to be at eye level.

Approaching Intellectual and Speech Disabilities People with intellectual disabilities may experience challenges with various skills, and those with speech disabilities might have difficulty being understood.

Tips for communication are:

Treat adults as adults.
Speak normally to someone with a speech disability and be patient.
Focus and be attentive.
Be open to initiating conversation.
Use clear language but avoid oversimplification.

Understanding Sensory Disabilities Communication with individuals who have visual or hearing disabilities requires consideration of their preferred methods.

For engaging with someone who has a visual impairment:

Always identify yourself and announce any newcomers.
Verbally share information that’s posted visually.

When interacting with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing:

Face them and speak clearly to facilitate lip-reading.
Be patient and willing to repeat if necessary.

Respect the role of service animals by not distracting them without permission.

Recognize the Individual Remember, each person, with or without a disability, has their own set of aspirations and preferences. By treating each individual with respect and recognizing their uniqueness, you lay the foundation for an inclusive and welcoming interaction.

For detailed guidance on person-centered care for individuals with disabilities, you can download Familiar Roads Home Health Care’s Family Caregiver Ultimate Guide.

Familiar Roads Home Health is ready to assist with no-obligation home assessments. Locate a branch near you or reach out to a Home Care specialist to discuss your needs.

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