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.