I would like to share some of the helpful things I’ve learned over the past few years being active and interacting with individuals with disabilities and with the elderly. It is best to learn when and how to help a disabled or elderly person. If you do offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Listen for the direct information and procedure to help. Speak directly to the person and not through someone else unless they are hearing or visually impaired. Always show the highest respect and never talk down or disrespect them.
The most important thing to know when interacting with people with disabilities is that they are people. And just like all people, they are very different, including being different in how they are with disability issues.
You should never assume people need help, always ask first and follow their lead how to help. Speak clearly and listen well. If an individual uses a wheelchair, walker, or any kind of a walking device be aware of personal space.
Be flexible and respectful to family members. When setting meetings, check accessibility for the needs of everyone. Always introduce yourself in a proper manner. Identify yourself and others to a visually impaired person. Always let them know when you are leaving the room and reentering a room.
Treat adults like adults. Don't use a person's first name until someone asks you to. Don't touch, lean on, or move a wheelchair without permission. Treat the chair as part of the person occupying it.
It is very important to not distract a working seeing-eye dog or any service animal. When conversing with a person with a speech impediment, listen carefully and never pretend to understand. If in doubt, ask questions. You need to be patient. Don't interrupt or inject comments during pauses. Don't try to fill in a word for someone with a stutter. Don't raise your voice. Louder is never better.
Can You Ask a Disabled Person What Their Disability Is?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a place of public accommodation, like many businesses that are open to the public, you cannot discriminate against a customer or visitor on the basis of the individual's disability in the access and enjoyment of the business.
Let everyone know if was a pleasure meeting and/or assisting them. Always make them feel they are just as important as everyone else.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experiences
Until Next Time, Stay Safe and Well!
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