Take Home Message – Communicating Effectively and Respectfully
Communication: Always speak to individuals with disabilities as you would any other person, focusing on them as individuals rather than their disability.
Respect Adulthood: Address adults with disabilities as adults, avoiding condescending tones or overly simplistic language.
Avoid Assumptions: Never make assumptions about someone’s disability. A person may have a hidden (non-visible) disability or may use mobility aids, like a wheelchair, for reasons that are not immediately apparent.
Do Not Presume Abilities: Do not assume what a person with a disability can or cannot do or understand. Each individual’s capabilities are unique.
Recognise Individual Experiences: If someone has one disability, do not automatically assume they have others. Every person’s experience of disability is different.
Appropriate Use of Language: When speaking to a person with a visual impairment, there is no need to raise your voice—simply use clear, everyday language.
Do Not Confuse Speech and Cognitive Ability: A person with a speech impairment may have no intellectual disability. Never equate difficulties with speech to difficulties with understanding.
Clarify When Necessary: If you do not understand what someone is saying, do not pretend to follow the conversation—politely ask them to repeat or clarify.
Listen Actively: Take the time to listen attentively. Engaging fully in conversation with disabled people offers valuable insights and perspectives.
Respect Autonomy: Always ask before offering assistance and respect a person’s right to decline help. Many individuals have their own preferred ways of managing tasks.
Engage Directly: Speak directly to the person with a disability, not to their carer, support worker, or interpreter. Everyone deserves to be addressed in a respectful and direct manner.
