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S Truman 1884-
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Improving Life -
Speech difficulties
Impaired or slow speech does not reflect a persons’s intelligence but does require the listener to be patient and attentive.
Others may not initially understand, ask them if they have and be prepared to repeat yourself if they have not. Assure them that you do not mind, it may save them some embarrassment and prevent them from pretending to of understood if they have not.
It may be helpful to break down into specific points any information your are giving.
Learning difficulties
Having a learning difficulty does not mean that one cannot make their own choice.
People need to impart any information in simple terms, avoiding jargon, or any terminology others are unlikely to be aware of.
It may help if they put their information into notes by providing a straightforward summary of written information to be considered at a later time.
Visually impaired
If assistance is required people may be unsure how to help and should be guided to avoid any discomfort on their part.
When in unfamiliar surroundings it would be helpful if others offer guidance, they may not realise that guidance can be helpful unless they are asked.
A request to give a brief layout of an unfamiliar area may be found helpful.
Making people aware of any obstacles such as steps, ramps, stairs and doors is not something other would necessarily consider unless asked.
If deaf or with limited hearing
Some people may have experience in communicating but others may not, establishing which method of communication is preferred or used would be helpful to both parties.
People may be understood first time, however this is not always the case, sometimes they may not be and frustration can occur.
They may be embarrassed to admit they have not understood and then pretend to of when they have not.
Ensure everybody has understood each other.
Pre -
Is an induction loop facility available?
When lip reading others need to understand that it is helpful if they look directly and speak clearly at an even pace without exaggerating lip movements.
Communicating with other people at work, in meetings or socially
Generally people have kindness and understanding, however, many people do not have contact with others that have disabilities.
The increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to meet others through work and social contact is leading to greater understanding.
Some difficulties encountered by people with disabilities can be caused by other peoples misunderstanding of their capabilities.
It is hoped that these few notes are helpful and while stating the obvious they are intended to assist those without a disability to understand better.
Be patient and listen attentively.
Do not attempt to speak when others are responding until they have finished speaking to ensure they have understood.
When people are speaking others people may attempt to finish the sentence them, or attempt to interrupt them, this should be ignored this and the sentence finished,otherwise they may not understand what message is being conveyed.
If accompanied by a helper or carer some people will talk directly to them instead of addressing the person.
This is not intentional, many do not have experience of interacting with people who have a disability.
Disability is not a sickness, people are not defined by their impairment nor want to be given a label because of it. A disabled persons health is generally as good as anyone else.
It is quite common for people in every day language to use common expressions such as “I’ll be running along then” or “I’ll just hop on a bus”.
This is not thoughtlessness on their part and should not be taken as a slight if a disability prevents such actions.
When addressing problems disabled people can be quite creative. Meeting challenges placed before them by their own creative solutions.
Others are not always aware of what can and cannot be achieved by people with disabilities.
Stating the obvious. Before a visit to any venue, meetings or the take up of a work offer ensure that the facilities available meet any needs required.
*Adequate parking.
*Accessible toilet facilities.
*Adequate room to move around.
*Easy access to the building, ramps, lifts, doors.
*Proper fire drill information (including deaf alert where applicable).
Do not assume that facilities exist , it is not always the case
If there is an assistance dog, others may not realise that they are working dogs and need to be treated as such.
It is advisable to explain to others that the dog is a working dog, and make the point that an assistance dog will need water and somewhere to relieve themselves.
Communicating