Pointers In Working With The Disabled
by Gianna Lazarou
People with disabilities need special attention and care. It would take a great amount of care and understanding in your part to adapt to their limitations. You surely play a vital role in the society if you are working with handicapped people. Being around them shouldn’t cause you, or anyone for that matter, to be uncomfortable. Get the chance to know them by heart and assist them as much as you can.
If your job entails that you work with the disabled, here are a few pointers you need to know.
• Respect disabled persons as you would a normal person. Treat them fairly at all times. Get to know them more and explore their interests and hobbies. They can be as interesting as any other people. Find time to be acquainted with them so you can eventually be friends.
• Try to be comfortable around people with difficulties. Do not pry and ask them about their handicap. They would probably be the one to come up with the topic if they
 feel at ease around you.
• Make an effort to make a little research on particular person’s disability. This way you would basically know what things you should avoid and what things you can do to help them.
• Give out truthful and positive remarks as often as you can. A little encouragement would help them strive hard and go beyond their limitations. Everyone would love to hear a good praise. For someone who has some incapability, this can be a big thing for them.
• Socialize with the disabled as often as you can. Genuine friendship is something that they would definitely treasure. Invite them to social events and introduce them to good people you know.
• Always be considerate of their situation. For example, give them enough time if you ask them for something. Adapt with their pace of work because it may take time for them to do a certain task.
• Always keep crutches or wheelchairs within reach. If a person is in a wheelchair, ask permission if you want to
walk them. If you do so, be on the look out for any obstructions that may come in your way.
• Talk clearly and a little slower than usual if you are talking to someone with impaired hearing. Hand gestures can help in communication. Keep in mind that not all people who has difficulty in speaking has loss their hearing. If you are using hand language, talk at the same time as well.
• If you are guiding a blind person, keep her beside you. They would usually place their hand on your shoulders or upper arm. Give her guidelines while walking. Say things like “stop”, “be careful” or “step up”.
• A support group can really help in making disabled person feel comfortable, especially in the workplace. The group can offer seminars on how to create a safer environment for and other helpful discussions.
• Always strive to make a safer environment not only for the disabled but for yourself and other people as well. A safe workplace should always have facilities for the disabled
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