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People with disabilities are all around us, whether they are visible or not. We are bound to know someone with a disability at work, in school, or have a family member with a disability. In fact, approximately one in every six Australians has a disability, accounting for 4.4 million Australians.
There are several ways you may help people with disabilities feel accepted and welcomed in the community. Here are some general principles for supporting a disabled person.
Respect and realise their desire for privacy.
Individuals with disabilities have the right to privacy. They are not required to tell you about their disability. If anyone informs you about their impairment, don’t assume they’re comfortable with you telling others. Always obtain permission before discussing the impairment.
Participate in constructive conversations.
Discuss topics that are positive with them, such as job, family, music, or positive experiences from the past. This provides those with disabilities with a sense of belonging while also improving their morale. There is no reason to only talk about someone’s impairment.
Encourage social inclusion.
It’s simple for someone to feel excluded. Make sure to offer additional support and encouraging words to anyone who might be feeling uncomfortable.
Speak with individuals directly
Practise to address the person and the support worker by maintaining eye contact with both of them, even if they are being assisted by an interpreter or support worker. If the person is in a wheelchair, kneel down to prevent the person from becoming uncomfortable from looking up for an extended period of time.
Never assist, without asking them first.
Individuals with impairments vary in their levels of independence. Never presume that someone who is disabled requires your immediate assistance. Ask first before offering assistance if someone seems to be in need; give them the option to accept or politely decline the offer. Ask them precise directions on how you may help if they accept your offer.
Listen and speak clearly.
Never assume anything about a person’s impairment.
Although each person is different and occasionally may behave, feel, or think differently than you do, it is still crucial to treat everyone with the same respect and attitude. Make no assumptions before learning the whole tale because there are many people with disabilities who cannot be seen.
Please make adjustments.
Make a few simple improvements to your house or workplace if you are expecting a visitor with a disability so that they feel more comfortable. Place any necessary goods in the bathrooms and bedrooms where they can easily access them, and offer to help if there is anything on a shelf or cabinet. Additionally, respect their daily schedule and help them adjust if there is a sudden change in their pattern.
Refrain from Staring.
A wheelchair may catch your eye in the throng, but it’s best not to linger too long because it could make someone feel uneasy. They can typically see you gazing too!
Reach us Out
At Home Care Experts we understand that every person is different so the type of support they need will be different. Disability supports depend upon the person’s disability, where they live, what support they currently have, what goals they want to achieve, and what challenges they face.
Call 1300 233223, email info@homecareexperts.com.au or reach us out @hceaustralia from any of our social media handles.
