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

2. Communication Issue
Ignore
Fear
Avoid

3. 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)

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. Different Ways of Communication
Signs and gestures
Sign language
Communication devices

10. 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

11. Take Home Message
Interact with the person Not the disability