Communicating with Persons with Disabilities Reimainging Belonging Communicating with Persons with Disabilities Cynthia Tam Danny Leung

Communication Issue Ignore Fear Avoid

Jesus’ Example When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:1-3)

Accessibility Standards for Customer Services of AODA Core principles: Independence Dignity Integration Equality of opportunity

What is most important to communicate? Be respectful The individuals and their families are the experts of their own disability Ask before doing anything Do as you are instructed

Mind our language Focus on the person, not the disability Don’t use words such as ‘the handicap’, ‘the disabled’ Person first language: individual with disabilities, not the disabled person Address people by names

Common Etiquette Relax. Don’t run away or avoid eye contact If not sure how to greet the person, just say “hello” and follow the lead Shaking “hands” is appropriate Don’t make disability the first topic of conversation Using common expression such as “run, ” “see,” ad “hear” is okay

Communication Basics Positioning Face the person so that you can pick up the non-verbal cues Speak naturally and clearly, using your normal tone, volume and rate. No baby talk or shouting Patience Allow for slow communication speed Ask one question at a time and wait for a reply.

Different Ways of Communication Signs and gestures Sign language Communication devices

Communicating with Persons with Speech Difficulties Don’t pretend that you understand if you don’t Ask the person to repeat Ask for clarification or confirmation Do not finish their sentences for them

Take Home Message Interact with the person Not the disability