Okay, now you've learned basic communication skills. But
to make sure that you're really prepared to mentor a youth with
a disability, we're providing you with some suggestions about communicating
with people who have all types of disabilities. You probably already
know many or all of these tips. The ones below are adapted from
the National Organization on Disability's "Disability Etiquette
Tips".
- Like everyone else, people with disabilities have different personalities and different preferences about how to do things. To find out what a person prefers, ask.
- When you meet someone with a disability, it is appropriate to shake hands - even if a person has limited hand use or artificial limbs.
- Always ask before you assist a person with a disability, and
then listen carefully to any instructions, do not interfere
with a person's full control over his/her own assistive device.
- Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to get some things done.
- It's okay to use common expressions such as "I've got to run now," "See you later," or "Have you heard about" even if the person doesn't run, see or hear well.
- Don't use terms such as "crippled", "deaf and dumb" and "wheelchair-bound."
Many have negative associations. Instead say "person with a
disability".
- Speak directly to the person with a disability rather than to a companion or sign language interpreter who may be along.
- Don't lean on a person's wheelchair - it's considered an extension of personal space.
- When you talk to a person in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, try to sit down so that you will be at eye level with that person.
- Don't pet a guide or companion dog while it's working.
- Give unhurried attention to a person who has difficulty speaking. Don't pretend to understand when you don't - ask the person to repeat what they said.
- Speak calmly, slowly and directly to a person who is hard of hearing. Don't shout or speak in the person's ear. Your facial expressions, gestures, and body movements help in understanding. If you're not certain that you've been understood, write your message.
- Greet a person who is visually impaired by telling the person your name and where you are. When you offer walking assistance, let the person take your arm and then tell him or her when you are approaching inclines or turning right or left.
There are a few more things to keep in mind when mentoring a youth with a disability. Dealing with these things effectively requires patience. Obstacles your mentee may need to overcome include: (1) Problems with time management. (2) Trouble returning phone calls. (3) Shyness & low self-esteem.
