Tips for Interacting with Individuals with Disabilities

Tips for Interacting with Individuals with Disabilities

Remember to see and talk to the person not the disability.

-          People are not defined by their disability. Talk to/ interact with them like you would anyone else.
-          If the person is age wise an adult talk to them as an adult. Please avoid “baby talk.”
-          If a person is with a staff please talk to the person not the staff. Staff might help clarify but they are there to support and not do for.
-          If you don’t understand just ask for the person to repeat themselves.
-          Just say “hi.” A conversation starts there. Be natural. Keep it simple.
-          Sometimes individuals know certain words but may not use them at the right times. Because a person says “potty” does not mean that they need to go to the bathroom. They’re doing the best they can to verbalize.
-          Talk to people at their level. If they’re in a chair lower yourself to them.
-          If you have a question, ask. Often people are happy to explain.
-          If you don’t know how to include someone ask them what they’d like to do. If a person receives support from an agency you can contact their agency to see what can be done to further support the person.

Touch is okay but ask first.

-          It is okay to touch a person with a disability but ask first. Some individuals are touch sensitive. If someone has a service animal please remember that the animal is there to work. Always ask before you engage the animal.
-          Treat the person’s wheelchair as part of the person. Please respect it like you would the person.
-          Please do not pat individuals on the head.

General Advice

-          Do not flicker the lights on or off to get people’s attention. This can cause a seizure. Turn the lights off, talk and then turn them back on or find another way to get people’s attention.
-          Be careful of strong smells. Lotions, perfumes/cologne and cleaning products with strong smells may trigger a reaction. Some people with asthma or allergies can also be affected. Offer scent free soaps in public restrooms and allow areas to air out after cleanings.
-          Be aware of making sudden noises – buzzers, whistles, cymbals, etc.
-          Many individuals with disabilities have dietary supports. Please offer healthy choices and please limit the amount of treats given to them
-          Be present. Sometimes silent presence is the best support you can offer a person. Listen actively to the person and try not to rush them.
-      Be aware of how fast you expect groups to say things together (Lord’s Prayer or Calls to Worship). Slow down to speak with the person. This is a good spiritual practice to slow down when you say things as a group so you can internalize these words yourself and not just read them.