5 ways to support people with disabilities
One of the key factors that affect the confidence, performance, and job satisfaction of people with disabilities is the attitude of others around them. Whether it is in the community or workplace, it is important for people to interact in the right way with those with disabilities. Further, negative perceptions can hinder the advancement and inclusion of those with disabilities. To avoid this outcome, here are a few ways to support a person with a disability:
1. Ask, don’t assume
One may believe that a person with a disability needs help even if they do not ask for it. However, it is important to ask them if they need assistance first and then act accordingly. Politely inquiring whether they need additional support to make a task easier or more accessible for them is the best way to support those with disabilities. This way, one can also understand exactly how the other person would like to be assisted.
2. Speak with clarity and listen carefully
Whenever one is interacting with a person with cognitive or developmental disabilities, it is crucial to speak clearly using simple words. One should be cautious about the pace of speech, vocabulary, and complexity of the language and match their speech with that of the person with the disability.