Physical disabilities

Consider an assistive device an extension of personal space

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Suggestions for interacting with persons with physical disabilities

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• Speak directly to the person, not to an accompanying support person

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• Consider an assistive device as an extension of the person’s personal space

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• Do not touch assistive devices unless asked to ​

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• Do not take on a pitying tone or speak to them like they are a child

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• When talking with a group, do not block the wheelchair user’s view of everyone

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• When available, sit down when having a conversation with a wheelchair user

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• Remove obstacles for clear passage to where you will sit and conduct any meeting

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• Shake hands when introduced to a person with a disability. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb do shake hands.

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Things not to say

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• I am sorry

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• What caused you to be in a wheelchair?

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• How fast can you go?

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Intellectual disabilities

When possible, ask questions that can be answered in 'yes' or 'no'

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Suggestions for interacting with persons with learning disabilities

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• Use plain language and avoid jargon or difficult words

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• Use short, simple sentences to avoid overloading them with information

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• Speak slowly and repeat verbal information multiple times if needed

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• When possible, ask questions that can be answered in 'yes' or 'no'

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• Eliminate distractions and minimize background noise if possible

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• Use concrete as opposed to abstract language

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• Be patient, as some people with developmental disabilities may take longer to understand

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• Listen carefully and work with the person to provide info in a way that will suit their needs

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• If you have not understood, do not pretend you have; ask the person to repeat themselves

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Non-verbal ways to aid communication

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• Using visual aids, such as pictures and diagrams

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• By acting or using demonstrations

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• With gestures

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• In writing

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Visual disabilities

Do not touch them without permission unless it is an emergency

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Suggestions for interacting with persons with visual disabilities

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• Identify yourself by name when you approach the person and speak directly to them

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• Speak normally and clearly, without using a patronizing tone

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• Do not touch them without permission unless it is an emergency

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• If you are helping guide a visually impaired person, offer your arm instead of grabbing theirs

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• Be specific when offering directions, such as “left about 5 feet”

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• Guide dogs for visually impaired persons are working and should not be distracted

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• Do not omit phrases like 'nice to see you'. These are part of normal conversations and visually impaired persons understand this.

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Hearing disabilities

Speak as you would normally, without exaggerating your words

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Suggestions for interacting with deaf or hard of hearing persons

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• Attract the person’s attention before speaking. This can be done by gently touching the person on the shoulder or by waving your hand.

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• Look at and speak directly to the person, not their interpreter if they have one

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• Pause occasionally to allow any sign language interpreters the time to translate completely

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• Speak as you would normally, without exaggerating your words

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• When speaking, do not put your hands in front of your face or chew gum

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• Make sure you are in a well-lit area where the person can see your face

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• Only a third of lip reading will be understood, so be prepared to repeat yourself

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• If you are finding communication difficult, try having a conversation in writing

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Speech difficulties

Avoid speaking excessively slowly or loudly

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Suggestions for interacting with persons with speech-related disabilities

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• If you have not understood, do not pretend you have; ask the person to repeat themselves

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• Whenever possible, ask questions that can be answered with a “yes” or a “no”

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• Avoid speaking excessively slowly or loudly; this is not needed for most persons with speech disabilities

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• Allow for silence to give the individual time to respond to a question. The person may simply need time rather than further explanation of the question.

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• Avoid making remarks such as “slow down”. This will not be helpful and may be interpreted as demeaning.

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• Avoid finishing the person’s sentences or guessing what is being said. This can increase his or her feelings of self-consciousness and sometimes make it worse. Wait for the person to finish before you respond.

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Autism

Be specific, for example, asking 'Did you enjoy science class?' instead of 'How was your day?'

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Getting their attention

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• Always use their name at the beginning so that they know you are talking to them

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• Use their special interest, or the activity they are currently doing, to engage them

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• Ensure they are paying attention before you speak to them. The signs that someone is paying attention are different for different people.

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Making yourself understood

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• Keep questions short, say less and say it slowly; autistic people can struggle to filter info

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• Use specific key words, repeating and stressing them

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• Pause between words to give the person time to process what you’ve said and respond

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• Use visual supports such as pictures or symbols

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• Avoid noisy or crowded environments that reduce how much they can process

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• Be specific, for example, asking 'Did you enjoy science class?' instead of 'How was your day?'

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• Limit open-ended questions, and instead structure questions in a way that gives options or choices

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• Avoid using irony, sarcasm, figurative language, rhetorical questions, idioms or exaggeration, as these are often taken literally by autistic persons. If you do use these, explain what you have said and be clear about what you really mean to say.

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Reducing anxiety

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• Give plenty of notice before changing from one activity to another

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• To prevent sensory overload and physical anxiety, turn down lights and noise when possible

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• Do not stare or hold eye contact for a prolonged period

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• Use less non-verbal communication, such as eye contact or gestures, when someone is anxious

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• Do not comment on the 'stims' (repetitive physical actions) of an autistic person or ask them to stop, unless they are unsafe. Stimming is often self-soothing and a response to anxiety.

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