Many people feel uncomfortable around individuals with disabilities. Much of this discomfort stems from lack of personal contact with people with disabilities and a sense of awkwardness and uncertainty as to how to speak and act in their presence.

The following section offers suggestions for increasing effective communication and reducing anxiety when interacting with people with specific disabilities.

Hearing Impairments

• Do not make assumptions about a person's ability to communicate or the way in which they do it. Always ascertain which communication medium the deaf or partially hearing person intends to use.
• When interacting with people who prefer lip reading, use a well-lit, glare-free area.
• Face the person directly and continue speaking at a normal volume and rate.
• Rephrase sentences rather than repeat them.
• Do not cover your mouth or look away from the person, such as to take notes, while you are talking.
• Communicate in writing, if necessary.
• When a sign language interpreter is present, it is best to face the person and speak normally.
• Omit phrases such as "please tell him/her that..." and address the person directly while the interpreter signs.

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Visual Impairments

• Ask if any particular assistance is needed.
• Orient the person to the area, explaining where major furniture is located. If the person has been there before, you should inform him/her of any changes or new obstacles.
• Keep doors fully open or closed to prevent accidents.
• Offer to read written information for a person with a visual impairment, when appropriate.
• If you are guiding someone, let him/her take your arm just above the elbow, and guide rather than lead or propel the person. Give him/her clear instructions such as 'this is a step up' as opposed to 'this is a step.'
• When giving directions, use specific words such as "straight ahead" or "forward." Refer to positions in terms of clock hands: "The chair is at your 2:00." Avoid vague terms such as "over there."
• Don't assume the person will recognize you by your voice even though you have met before. Identify yourself by name, maintain normal voice volume, speak directly to the person, and maintain eye contact.

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Speech Impairments

• Listen patiently and avoid completing sentences for the person unless she/he looks to you for help.
• Don't pretend to understand what a person with a speech disability says just to be
• polite. Ask the person to write down a word if you're not sure what she/he is saying.

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Mobility Impairments

• Ask if assistance is required.
• Do not remove a person's mobility aid, for example crutches, without the person's consent.
• When talking to someone who is in a wheelchair and the conversation continues for more than a few minutes, sit down or kneel to be eye level. This avoids neck strain and is much more positive. his/her
• Don't lean on a person's wheelchair unless you have his/her permission--it's his/her personal space.

Information contained in the Communication Issues section was obtained from:
United Cerebral Palsy
155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 315
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 368-0380 voice, (312) 368-0179 TTY

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