Living and Communicating with a Person with a Disability

Introduction

Common reactions to a permanent form of disability, whether the person experiencing it is you or a loved one, can include fear, anger, shock, and grief. The extent to which a person feels these emotions depends mostly on how much the disability will affect their life. It is most important to remember that is alright to feel these emotions. It is even better to talk about them with people who experience similar forms of disabilities, or with a professional counselor. Bear in mind that everyone reacts to a disability in their own way. There is no right or wrong way to respond. Do your best to concentrate on what everyone can do and how to adapt to the change.

Main Digest

It is important to recognize that people with new forms of disabilities and family members pass through stages of adjustment from the moment they learn of a person's disability. These stages include not only the initial shock, but disbelief and denial, anger and resentment, depression and discouragement, bargaining, and then - acceptance. Each person with a disability has to change where they live or work, how they travel and spend their free time, and making these changes is not always the easiest thing to accomplish. It is important to focus on what the person with a disability is able to do. There are some various things to remember and pursue that can make the lives of people with disabilities and family members easier.

If a person's mobility has been affected, ask a doctor to recommend assistive devices such as a cane, crutches, braces, a walker, a scooter, or a wheelchair.

A disability might affect one or more of a person's daily activities. Many times, it is helpful to make a list of any needs the person has so they can be addressed. Assistive devices exist that might help a person with a disability to complete some of their tasks. A number of these devices are fairly low-cost and some insurance plans will help to cover the costs of these items.

A person with a disability may take longer to complete some activities. Having a level of understanding while planning for the extra time can be particularly frustrating for a person with a disability who finds themselves forced to make extra time in their daily schedule. A person with a disability might wish to handle the activities they consider to be more important first, and then include other activities as they feel they are able to do so.

Arrangements may be made in advance to make traveling more enjoyable. The arrangements may include asking an airline for a seat in the front of the plane, requesting a chair in the aisle, assistance with baggage, reserving a rental car with hand controls, checking with restaurants to make sure they fit the needs of a person with disabilities, or making sure a hotel is accessible. Devices to assist with daily living activities can make life easier. These devices may include items such as:

• Scoop dishes
• Door openers
• Portable phones
• Remote controls
• "Grabber," sticks
• Garage door openers
• One-handed can openers
• Under-cabinet jar openers
• Brushes with suction cups
• "Clap On/Off" light switches
• Laundry baskets with wheels
• Holders for drinks, utensils, etc.
• Cutting boards for one hand use

"We are not here to change minds or to be politically correct. Today we want to ask you to give yourself permission to look at disability in a different light." - Don Brandon, Northwest ADA Center Director

Communicating Effectively with People with Disabilities

What does it mean to achieve, 'effective communication' To be plain, 'effective communication,' means that whatever a person speaks or writes needs to be as clear and understandable to a person with a disability as it is for a person who does not experience a form of disability. The definition is important because some people with disabilities have forms of disabilities that affect the ways they communicate with others.

The question then arises: 'How is communicating with people with disabilities different from communicating with those who do not have a form of disability' For the majority of people with disabilities there is no difference at all. There are people with disabilities that affect their hearing, vision, speech, their ability to write, read, or understand. People with forms of disabilities that affect these areas of communication might use different ways to communicate with others than people who do not experience these forms of disabilities. The following are some communication points to bear in mind:

• Do not insist on helping, simply offer to help
• An individual with a disability is not a, 'disabled individual'
• Avoid touching assistive devices, mobility devices, or guide dogs
• Accept assistance from community services and local support groups
• Take the time to learn about the disability your loved one experiences
• Approach life with a disability with a positive and encouraging frame of mind
• Always address the person you love before you address the disability they experience
• Be patient if the person you love with a disability needs additional time to say something

Communicating with a family member, friend, or associate with a disability is very much like communicating with a person who does not experience a form of disability. In general, it is okay to talk about the form of disability a person experiences if the topic arises. As with anyone else, relaxed conversations about mutual interests are always appreciated.

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2012, October 8 - Last revised: 2021, July 14). Living and Communicating with a Person with a Disability. Disabled World. Retrieved September 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/living.php

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