Sunday, May 17, 2009

Working with the Disabled

Since Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 that people who previously limited or no access to public places with a degree of lighting in the workplace. Although these people have problems with sight, hearing and movement, which them, are often confused about how to communicate with sensitivity and understanding.

Here are some of the points to keep in mind.

If it is necessary to speak about the disability, language should emphasize that, first, second handicap. Rather than referring to someone as an epileptic, say "person with epilepsy" or "John, who has epilepsy ...."

Avoid words that have a negative tone. People who use wheelchairs are not "bound" or "restricted" to their chairs. You may have spastic muscles but should not be described as spastic.

Language is simple. Rather, this person is "crippled with arthritis," "suffering from MS," "affected with ALS," he said, "John has epilepsy" or "Mary has MS."

Use the following conditions:

"Congenital disability" instead of "malformation."
"Non-disabled people" instead of "normal", "healthy" or "able-bodied."
"Condition" rather than "disease" or "defect".
"Visible" instead of "blind" if a person is completely blind.
"Deaf and hard of hearing" rather than "deaf."
"Little person" or "dwarf", not "dwarf".
Words or phrases such as "victim", "pathetic", "unhappy", "stupid", "deaf mute", "deformed" and "pathetic" are offensive.

Ask people with disabilities in the event that you need, or need help, and then try to help them. If they want help, please refer to specific instructions on how you can help.

Look directly to any person with a disability, when he speaks, even if a person is an interpreter or companion present.

Not particularly speech shows that the person has a hearing or mental limitations.

Allow people with speech disabilities to develop their own sense. Do not speak for them, or to stay. Ask questions that permit short answers or a nod to the head. The second person is always the possibility to give a longer answer.

Speak calmly, slowly and clearly, that the person a hearing problem or difficulty understanding.
When walking with a person who is visually impaired, people who make it possible to change. If the person requests or accepts an offer of assistance, does not suit your hand. It is easier for him to hold on you.

Never start to someone in a wheelchair without permission passenger.

Leaning on the wheelchair during a conversation with a person is reckless.

If you have a long conversation with someone in a wheelchair, a chair and sit at eye level with this person. You'll feel better.

Please note that persons with disabilities, like everyone else, with the exception of certain physical conditions. Treat them as the State competent co-workers or colleagues.

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