Disabled people are a special group in need of socio-cultural and psychological support. However, any person wants to feel on an equal footing with other people; this applies in particular to the disabled. Therefore, during communication with a person with disabilities, any careless word can offend them and forever discourage them from communicating (Smeltzer et al., 2017). While contacting a disabled person, it is important not to put them in an awkward position. It is desirable to clarify with the accompanying persons what are the real possibilities of the individual. For example, many people with cerebral palsy understand perfectly well what they are told. However, they cannot move their arms or legs. And if one talks to them loudly and too articulately, like with little children, then this can offend them. If a person with disabilities knows how to do something on their own, one should not immediately offer them help.
When working with people with disabilities, it is important to understand the following. Usually, the first thing that is displayed on the faces of healthy people when a disabled person appears in the room is fear and confusion. At such moments, individuals most often shyly lower their eyes. However, the worst thing that can be done for a disabled person is to once again remind them that they are somehow “not like that.” It is best to pretend that everything is in order, and for this, one needs not to be afraid to look at a person with a disability and actively engage with them (Smeltzer et al., 2017). The conversation should always be polite and business-like, without familiarity, condescension, or underlined patronage. One should not hesitate to ask the disabled person how to properly help.
Reference
Smeltzer, S. C., Mariani, B., & Meakim, C. (2017). Communicating with people with disabilities. National League for Nursing. Web.