Things to remember when engaging with persons with disabilities

Things to remember when engaging with: someone with speech difficulties

• Always create a relaxed atmosphere so that the individual feels comfortable to speak. 
• Never rush the person you are speaking with. 
• Ask them to repeat something if you didn’t understand it. 
• Explore other ways of communicating. 
• Don’t finish their sentences for them. 
• Before offering your help, always ask the person if they require any assistance and what type of assistance they require. 

Things to remember when engaging with: wheelchair users

• Do not lean on or touch anyone’s wheelchair. The wheelchair is like an extension of their body and therefore their personal space. 
• If you are speaking to a wheelchair user, always be courteous and direct your conversation to that person, not to the person who may be accompanying them. 
• When conversing with a wheelchair user, try to sit on a chair so that you are on the same eye level, or alternatively, stand a short distance away from the person so that they don’t strain their neck to look at you. 
• Never push anyone’s wheelchair without their permission. This is considered very rude. 
  Before offering your help, always ask the person if they require any assistance and what type of assistance they require. 

Things to remember when engaging with: a blind or visually impaired person

• Always make your presence known and identify yourself.
• Act naturally and talk as you would to a sighted person. 
• There is no need to shout; your voice should be normal volume. 
• Always address the person by name if they are expected to reply. 
• Help familiarise them with their surroundings. 
• Before offering your help, always ask the person if they require any assistance and what type of assistance they require. 

 Things to remember when: guiding a blind person

•    Walk a few steps ahead and offer them your arm as a guide. 
•    When passing through narrow spaces, bend your arm behind your back to allow the person to walk right behind you. 
•    Don’t grab the person by the arm or try to “carry” them. 
•    If you are helping the person into a car, point out which direction the car is facing and guide their hand on to the roof of
     the car over the open door. 
•    Always remember to warn the person when approaching a flight of stairs, a slope or any obstacle in your path. 
•    Never push anyone into a chair, rather be courteous and assist them to find the chair. 
•    Never leave doors half open or leave anything lying on the floor, as these could be hazardous. 
•    Always remember to tell the person if and when you are leaving. 
•    Never interfere with a blind person’s assistive devices (cane or guide dog). 
•    Before offering your help, always ask the person if they require any assistance and what type of assistance they require. 

Things to remember when engaging with: a deaf or hard-of-hearing person

•    Wave your hand or tap them lightly on the shoulder for attention. 
•    Always try to keep your face turned towards the light and free of any obstructions when speaking. 
•    Establish eye contact before conversing. Eye contact can also be used as a turn-taking technique when communicating. 
•    Speak clearly so the person can read your lips. 
•    Never shout or exaggerate your words. 
•    Don’t eat, chew gum or cover your face with your hand when talking. 
•    Use facial expressions that match the mood you’re in and topic you’re talking about. 
•    Talk directly to the person and not to the interpreter. 
•    Use short, simple sentences and rephrase if you aren’t understood. 
•    If you are struggling to communicate, write it down on paper. 
•    Before offering your help, always ask the person if they require any assistance and what type of assistance they require. 

Things to remember when engaging with: a person with an intellectual disability

•    Keep your sentences simple, clear and concise. 
•    Talk to the person directly and not to the person who may be accompanying them. 
•    Always be patient as the person may take a little longer to respond because of limited understanding and possible speech difficulties. 
•    Always be considerate and respectful. 
•    Before offering your help, always ask the person if they require any assistance and what type of assistance they require.