Interacting With People With Disabilities

Because many individuals have had little experience working with people with disabilities, they may feel anxious or uncomfortable when first meeting a person with a disability. Here are some suggestions for enhancing communication with people with disabilities.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

• When greeting a person with visual impairments, always identify yourself and others who might be with you.
• When meeting a blind/visually impaired person, speak directly to that individual and not to someone else as if the blind/visually impaired person required an interpreter.
• Speak in a normal tone and volume. Blind/visually impaired people usually do not have a hearing disability.
• If you are trying to assist a blind person and are not exactly sure what to do, ask him or her.
• It is important to describe changes in environments. Identify obstacles, steps, uneven surfaces, etc.
• If you are going to walk with an individual with a visual impairment, do not grab his/her arm, let him/her take yours.

DEAF AND HEARING-IMPAIRED

• When speaking with a deaf person, talk to him/her directly, not to the interpreter
• Use a normal tone and rhythm of speech. If you speak rapidly, slow down somewhat, but not so slowly that you are speaking one word at a time.
• Speak distinctly, but don't exaggerate mouth movements.
• If a note pad and pencil are available, use them if you are having difficulty.
• If the person with whom you are speaking relies in lip reading, reword what you are trying to say or try to use words that are more easily seen on the lips. (More than 50% of the sounds we make are not visible on the lips. Even the best lip readers only get about 30-40%.)
• Reduce background noise.

• Attempt to converse at eye level, as opposed to standing and looking down.
• Do not push the wheelchair unless you are requested to do so.
• Remember that the person's wheelchair is part of the person's personal space…do not lean on or touch the chair.

• Ask the individual to repeat what was said.
• Ask the individual to rephrase the statement. Another choice of words may be easier to pronounce and understand.
• If you still don't understand, ask the individual to spell the words out.
• When you do not understand, say so. Bluffing is never successful and the speaker is usually aware that you are bluffing. Say something like, "I didn't catch that, Could you please repeat it for me"
• Repeat your understanding of what was said back to the individual and wait for confirmation.
• Don't finish the person's sentences or guess at words.

• Be patient…allow the person to process the information.
• Invite the person to clarify his/her understanding.
• Summarize ideas often.
• Simplify verbal instructions.
• Pair auditory and written directions.
• Give examples to illustrate ideas.

back to top