If you are providing care to someone with a disability, it is essential that they be treated with respect and dignity. Doing this will guarantee that your loved one receives the highest standard of treatment possible.
You can make your visit more meaningful for both of you by learning about the disability and getting to know the individual behind it. This will make for a more pleasant and productive meeting between both of you.
Respect Their Equipment
Many disabled individuals require mobility aids (wheelchairs, scooters and canes) to get around. When providing care to these individuals, it’s essential to remember that they are people first and their equipment second.
Demonstrating respect requires asking for consent before handling or moving someone’s equipment, especially if it is expensive medical technology.
It is essential to treat disabled individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their equipment or space. Remembering this will help ensure a positive interaction between both of you. Before entering the room, have an informal chat about expectations – most discussions end up being beneficial for everyone involved!
Do Not Assume They Need Help
People living with disability service providers melbourne experience varying levels of independence. Some may be able to manage most tasks on their own, while others require assistance from friends or family members at times.
They also have a range of preferences and dislikes. Some might be highly energetic and struggle to pick up on social cues; conversely, others appear sluggish and struggle with picking up on cues from others.
No matter their level, all children want to be treated as adults. This means providing assistance only when it is clearly needed and not taking over control.
Report Discrimination
If you believe someone is discriminating against disabled people or being treated unfairly due to your disability, you have the right to report the problem. Doing so quickly is crucial as it could shield you from punitive damages if the company fails to take corrective action.
Under the law, disabled people should have equal access to jobs, education and services as their non-disabled peers. This principle is known as ‘duty to make reasonable adjustments’.
Complaining can be a cumbersome process, but it is an essential legal requirement. Companies typically offer informal mechanisms through their internal grievance process or, if that fails to resolve the matter, legal action may be taken in court.
Do Not Touch Their Mobility Aids
People who use wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, walkers or canes should not be touched unless they give you their consent. These items are part of their personal space and it could cause them distress if you push them over a curb or lift them by their handles or footrest.
People living with disabilities should be treated as individuals rather than patients or disabled. The term “disabled” often carries negative connotations and serves to stigmatize those affected by disabilities.
Black and Hispanic participants felt that using a mobility device was associated with age, physical decline, being seen as “crippled,” “an old lady,” or “very sick.” Some worried the devices would become burdensome; others saw those who used aids as “posers,” trying to take advantage of people by claiming preferential treatment or attention.
Respect Their Space
Meeting someone with a disability can present some unique challenges when it comes to learning how to act and communicate. Many ways of being can be rude, leading to frustration or anger towards the person with the disability.
People with disabilities need their own space. When approaching them, be respectful and avoid staring directly into their eyes.
Always address them directly, not their companion, interpreter or other aide.
When asking someone a question, let them set the tempo of the conversation. Those with cognitive disabilities or hard of hearing may speak differently than other listeners.
It is essential to respect others’ space when using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes. Touching these items or leaning on them may be seen as an invasion of personal space.
