Demystifying People With Disabilities

How Do You Do That? Demystifying People With Disabilities
By Larry C. Colbert

Introduction

Nearly all employers and human resource professionals are aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, how often do you, your colleagues, or the average individual have contact with someone who is visually impaired/blind, using a wheel chair, or profoundly deaf? When you do, how do you react? Interact? Ignore? Assist? Marvel at their ability to move through their environment living full and productive lives?

What can you do to put yourself and the person with a disability at ease? Well, this is our purpose here. It is not to attempt to answer all your questions. Rather, to discuss appropriate methods for interacting with individuals who are disabled while squelching many myths and misconceptions. You?™ll learn what to do and not do, techniques and technologies used for employment as well as in daily living.

How many times have you heard the preferred or proper method for interacting with someone with a disability? Probably never, if at all. In fact, the average individual rarely has any contact with someone who is blind, deaf, or mobility impaired. Therefore, you will be exposed to common courtesy rules governing your interactions with these individuals.

How does someone who cannot see a computer monitor or manipulate the keyboard use this most valuable technological tool of the coming century? Techniques of daily living such as setting the alarm clock, cooking on the grill, and the simple task of matching your wardrobe are tasks most of us take for granted. Yet, how would you perform these simple jobs from a wheelchair, without your eyesight, or hearing? You?™ll learn about specialized tools, adaptive electronic equipment, and techniques used to live a full and productive life.

Communicating ??Putting one another at ease

When you meet or come in contact with an individual who has a disability, don't be ill at ease. If you are uncertain how to assist or interact, always speak directly to the individual. After all, they are the experts! You can never go wrong by asking. The experience will be more pleasant for all by remembering and following some simple points of courtesy.

Mobility Impaired

When conversing with a person who is mobility impaired, speak directly to the individual rather than to their companion. People who use wheelchairs are particularly sensitive to this type of treatment. If your conversation goes on for more than a few minutes or is expected to do so, consider sitting to be "eye-to-eye" while talking. It can be uncomfortable to look straight up for an extended period when seated.

Don?™t be reluctant to use words like ?œWalk", "Run", or "Stand" when talking with a mobility-impaired person. Wheelchair users and people who are otherwise mobility impaired use these words, too.

Blind/Visually impaired

As with all people with disabilities, don't ask their spouse or companion what they may want. Speak directly to the individual ??just as you would anyone else in a similar situation. It isn?™t necessary to raise your voice or address them in a child-like manner.