Rules for communicating with a disabled child. How to communicate with a disabled child if he does not speak
Many people get confused when faced with a person with disabilities, feel awkward and may even offend him with a careless statement. And such people, being in public places, often need help, which, again out of ignorance, ordinary people they cannot provide it to them.
And here the disabled themselves come to the rescue, giving advice on how to behave correctly with them. This material is based on recommendations adopted by Disability Rights International, which leads active work in the West, but is in its infancy in the countries of the former USSR.
Everyone needs to know this to modern man. People with disabilities are part of society, and we must make their difficult lives easier.
General rules of etiquette when communicating with people with disabilities
When you talk to a person with a disability, speak directly to them, and not to a chaperone or sign language interpreter who is present during the conversation.
When you are introduced to a disabled person, it is quite natural to shake his hand: even those who have difficulty moving their arm or who use a prosthesis may well shake their hand - right or left, which is completely acceptable.
When you meet with a person who has poor or no vision, be sure to identify yourself and the people who came with you. If you are having a general conversation in a group, do not forget to clarify who you are currently addressing and identify yourself.
If you offer help, wait until it is accepted and then ask what to do and how to do it.
When you talk to someone who has difficulty communicating, listen carefully. Be patient, wait for the person to finish the phrase. Don't correct him or finish speaking for him. Never pretend that you understand if you really don't. Repeating what you understand will help the person respond to you and help you understand them.
When you talk to a person using wheelchair or crutches, position yourself so that your eyes and his are at the same level, then it will be easier for you to talk.
To get the attention of someone who is hard of hearing, wave your hand or pat them on the shoulder. Look him straight in the eyes and speak clearly, but keep in mind that not all people who are hard of hearing can read lips.
People who have difficulty moving
Remember that a wheelchair is a person’s inviolable space. Do not lean on it, do not push it, do not put your feet on it without permission. Starting to push a stroller without the consent of a disabled person is the same as grabbing and carrying a person without his permission.
Always ask if you need help before you give it. Offer help if you need to open a heavy door or walk on long-pile carpet.
If your offer of help is accepted, ask what needs to be done and follow the instructions carefully.
If you are allowed to push the stroller, push it slowly at first. The stroller picks up speed quickly and an unexpected jolt can cause you to lose your balance.
Always make sure that the venues where the events are scheduled are accessible. Find out in advance what problems or barriers might arise and how they can be addressed.
Do not pat a person in a wheelchair on the back or shoulder.
If possible, position yourself so that your faces are at the same level. Avoid a position in which your interlocutor needs to throw back his head.
If there are architectural barriers, warn about them so that the person can make decisions in advance.
Remember that, in general, people who have mobility difficulties do not have problems with vision, hearing or understanding.
Don't think that having to use a wheelchair is a tragedy. This is a way of free (if there are no architectural barriers) movement. There are people who use wheelchairs who have not lost the ability to walk and can move with the help of crutches, canes, etc. They use strollers to save energy and move faster.
People with poor eyesight and blind people
Visual impairment has many degrees. Only about 10% of people are completely blind; the rest have residual vision and can distinguish light and shadow, sometimes the color and outline of an object. Some have weak peripheral vision, others have weak direct vision with good peripheral vision. All this must be clarified and taken into account when communicating.
When offering your help, guide the person, do not squeeze his hand, walk as you usually walk. There is no need to grab a blind person and drag him along with you.
Briefly describe where you are. Warn about obstacles: steps, puddles, holes, low lintels, pipes, etc.
Use, if appropriate, phrases describing sound, smell, distance. Share what you see.
Treat guide dogs differently than regular pets. Do not command, touch or play with your guide dog.
If this is an important letter or document, you don’t need to let him touch it to convince you. However, do not replace reading with retelling. When a blind person must sign a document, be sure to read it. Disability does not relieve a blind person from the responsibility imposed by the document.
Always speak directly to the person, even if they cannot see you, rather than to their sighted companion.
Always identify yourself and introduce other interlocutors, as well as the rest of those present. If you want to shake hands, say so.
When you invite a blind person to sit, do not sit him down, but point your hand at the back of the chair or the armrest. Do not move his hand along the surface, but give him the opportunity to freely touch the object. If you are asked to help take an object, you should not pull the hand of a blind person towards the object and take this object with his hand.
When you communicate with a group of blind people, do not forget to name the person you are addressing each time.
Don't force your interlocutor to talk into the void: if you move, warn him.
It is quite normal to use the word "look". For a blind person, this means “seeing with your hands”, touching.
Avoid vague definitions and instructions that are usually accompanied by gestures, expressions like “The glass is somewhere over there on the table.” Try to be precise: “The glass is in the middle of the table.”
If you notice that a blind person has lost his way, do not control his movement from a distance, come up and help him get onto the right path.
When going up or down stairs, lead the blind person perpendicular to them. When moving, do not make jerks or sudden movements. When accompanying a blind person, do not put your hands back - this is inconvenient.
People with hearing loss
When talking to someone who is hard of hearing, look directly at them. Do not darken your face or block it with your hands, hair or other objects. Your interlocutor should be able to watch your facial expression.
There are several types and degrees of deafness. Accordingly, there are many ways to communicate with people who are hard of hearing. If you don't know which one to prefer, ask them.
Some people can hear, but perceive certain sounds incorrectly. In this case, speak more loudly and clearly, choosing the appropriate level. In another case, you will only need to lower the pitch of your voice, since the person has lost the ability to perceive high frequencies.
To get the attention of someone who is hard of hearing, call them by name. If there is no answer, you can lightly touch the person or wave your hand.
Speak clearly and evenly. There is no need to overemphasize anything. There is also no need to shout, especially in your ear.
If you are asked to repeat something, try rephrasing your sentence. Use gestures.
Make sure you are understood. Don't be shy to ask if the other person understood you.
If you are providing information that includes a number, a technical or other complex term, or an address, write it down, fax or email it, or in any other way, so that it can be clearly understood.
If you have difficulty communicating verbally, ask if texting would be easier.
Don't forget about the environment that surrounds you. In large or crowded rooms, it is difficult to communicate with people who are hard of hearing. Bright sun or shade can also be barriers.
Very often deaf people use sign language. If you communicate through an interpreter, do not forget that you need to address the interlocutor directly, and not the interpreter.
Not all people who are hard of hearing can read lips. It's best for you to ask this at the first meeting. If your interlocutor has this skill, you need to follow a few important rules. Remember that only three out of ten words are read well.
You need to look the other person in the face and speak clearly and slowly, use simple phrases and avoid unimportant words.
You need to use facial expressions, gestures, and body movements if you want to emphasize or clarify the meaning of what was said.
People with developmental delays and communication problems
Use accessible language, express yourself accurately and to the point.
Avoid verbal cliches and figurative expressions unless you are sure that your interlocutor is familiar with them.
Don't talk down. Don't think that you won't be understood.
When talking about tasks or a project, tell everything step by step. Give your partner a chance to play out each step after you've explained it to them.
Assume that an adult with a developmental delay has the same experiences as any other adult.
Use illustrations or photographs if necessary. Be prepared to repeat several times. Don't give up if they don't understand you the first time.
Treat a person with developmental disabilities the same way you would treat anyone else. In conversation, discuss the same topics that you discuss with other people. For example, plans for the weekend, vacation, weather, recent events.
Contact the person directly.
Remember that people with developmental delays have legal capacity and can sign documents, contracts, vote, give consent to medical care etc.
People with psychiatric problems
Mental disorders are not the same as developmental problems. People with mental problems may experience emotional disorders or confusion that complicates their lives. They have their own special and changeable view of the world.
One should not think that people with mental disorders necessarily need additional help and special treatment.
Treat people with mental disabilities as individuals. There is no need to draw premature conclusions based on your experience with other people with the same form of disability.
It should not be assumed that people with mental disorders are more prone to violence than others. This is a myth. If you are friendly, they will feel relaxed.
It is not true that people with mental disorders have problems understanding or have lower intelligence levels than most people.
If a person having mental disorders, is upset, ask him calmly what you can do to help him.
Don't speak harshly to someone who has a mental disorder, even if you have reason to do so.
People who have difficulty speaking
Don't ignore people who have difficulty speaking because it is in your best interest to understand them.
Do not interrupt or correct someone who is having difficulty speaking. Start speaking only when you are sure that he has already finished his thought.
Don't try to speed up the conversation. Be prepared for the fact that talking to someone with speech difficulties will take longer. If you are in a hurry, it is better to apologize and agree to communicate at another time.
Look the other person in the face and maintain eye contact. Give this conversation your full attention.
Don't think that speech difficulties are an indicator low level human intelligence.
Try to ask questions that require short answers or a nod.
Don't pretend if you don't understand what you've been told. Feel free to ask again. If you still fail to understand, ask them to say the word at a slower pace, perhaps spelling it out.
Don’t forget that a person with speech impairment also needs to speak out. Don't interrupt or suppress him. Don't rush the speaker.
If you have problems communicating, ask if your interlocutor would like to use another method - write, type.
***Don't be confused that the list of what is right and wrong is so extensive. When in doubt, rely on your common sense and the ability to empathize. Treat another person as you treat yourself, respect him in the same way - and then everything will be fine.
Tatiana Prudinnik
. These are not just politically correct synonyms for the concept of “disabled child.”These words describe much more accurately what is happening to the child and what kind of relationship he needs.
Disability that limits the capabilities of a small person can be caused by different diagnoses. , mental retardation or mental development, genetic pathologies. The disease may or may not affect intelligence. But, one way or another, children with disabilities feel very uncomfortable in society.
It's not even the lack of ramps, but the reaction of others. This topic is discussed so rarely in society that we sometimes don’t even know how to behave when we find ourselves next to such a child. Offer help? Express sympathy? Pretend that everything is fine? Pass by, hiding your emotions? And emotions appear in any case. Children who look and behave differently attract attention, as does anything unusual. But how do they feel? After all, first of all, these are just children, full-fledged individuals. Only, due to their condition, they live and perceive the world differently. How to communicate with them and how to behave in their presence so as not to hurt with tactlessness or misunderstanding?
Read also:
Public organization disabled people “Rodina” has collected tips on how to behave with children with disabilities so that communication is comfortable, and neither you nor your interlocutors feel awkward or irritated.
Manifestation of a child with a disability
- First of all, I am a child. The same person as you. Don't confuse me with my diagnosis.
- I am a person. Help me prove myself. Don't do anything for me without me.
- I am a full member of society. But many physical and psychological barriers prevent me from feeling this. Help me overcome them.
- I have the rights of a child. But for many reasons I may feel discriminated against based on my disability.
- I'm part of this diverse world, and I have my own role in it. I test him for kindness.
How to deal with an autistic child
Autistic people communicate in a special way. They need more time to get used to a new environment or interlocutor. Give them this time.
Do not impose your communication, offer it little by little. Start by simply being in the same room.
An autistic child may act aggressively, become nervous, or scream. This usually happens because he was misunderstood and he is unable to explain more precisely. Give him some peace and privacy so he can pull himself together.
The reaction may also occur due to physical discomfort. Autistic people have increased sensory sensitivity. Sounds, lights and sensations that you don't pay attention to can be intolerable to them. Everyone has their own set of unacceptable feelings. Be understanding about this.
Sometimes it is easier for autistic people to communicate using pictures, albums with cards, or a tablet. This is called alternative communication.
How to deal with a child who has paralysis or uncontrollable movements
Focus on the meaning of the other person's words, not on his movements.
Offer help in a discreet way without attracting everyone's attention.
Sometimes the help of an outsider who is not accustomed to the bodily reactions of such a child can only get in the way. Don't be offended if you are rejected.
Don't be afraid to object, don't try to calm a child with uncontrollable movements. His behavior is not related to his state of mind.
Hello, dear employees of our Center. Today we have gathered to talk with you once again about proper communication with our listeners.
Ethics - the doctrine of morality, morality. The term “ethics” was first used by Aristotle (384-322 BC) to denote practical philosophy, which should answer the question of what we must do in order to perform the right moral actions.
An integral part of ethics isprofessional or business ethics – a set of moral, ethical and moral standards and model
behavior of a specialist in the relevant professional field.
Professional ethics for each specialist is not just a formal requirement, butthe guiding principle of daily activities.
Being a bearer of ethical principles is important for several reasons: compliance professional ethics leads to the successful delivery of services to citizens, maintaining the reputation of the institution, and the formation of a positive culture in the institution.
For all of us, our listeners are the means by which we have work. No listeners, no work.
In recent years, Codes of Ethics and Official Conduct of Civil Servants and Employees have been adopted social protection population and social service institutions.
The Codes of Ethics provide for the following: requirements such as integrity, humanism, impartiality, competence, neutrality, correctness, tolerance, non-conflict, responsibility, integrity and strict adherence to confidentiality.
An integral part of the philosophy of social protection of disabled people is the philosophy of independent living.
Concept "independent life"conceptually implies two interrelated points:
1.Independent living is the right of a person to be an integral part of society and to take an active part in social, political and economic processes, have freedom of choice and freedom of access to residential and public buildings, transport, means of communication, insurance, labor and education, the ability to determine and choose, make decisions and manage life situations.
2. Independent life is a way of thinking, it is a psychological orientation of an individual, which depends on its relationships with other individuals, its physical capabilities, support service system and environment .
- Rules of etiquette when communicating with disabled people.
Employees of organizations providing services to the public should provide assistance to people with disabilities in overcoming barriers that prevent them from receiving services on an equal basis with other persons.
The set of abilities, knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication in helping people with disabilities overcome barriers is calledcommunication efficiency.
The development of communication skills consists of the following basic skills:
Avoid conflict situations;
Listen carefully to the disabled person and hear him;
Regulate your own emotions that arise during interaction;
Ensure high culture and ethics of relationships;
It is civilized to resist manipulation.
There are rules of ethics when communicating with people with disabilities.
For example, you can highlightstandards for interaction with people with mobility difficulties:
1. Addressing a person: When you talk to a person with a disability, address them directly.
4. Offer of help:if you offer help, wait until it is accepted and then ask what to do and how to do it.
5. Do not lean on the wheelchair:leaning or hanging on someone's wheelchair is the same as leaning or hanging on its owner, and that's annoying too. A wheelchair is the inviolable space of the person who uses it. Starting to push a stroller without the consent of a disabled person is the same as grabbing and carrying a person without his permission.
When communicating, you should take a comfortable position relative to a person with disabilities: do not stand behind his back or to the side, if possible, sit in such a way as to be at the same level as the interlocutor;
Unobtrusively monitor your surroundings to anticipate the difficulties that a person with disabilities may experience when moving in a particular situation: sometimes you need to pause and let a person on crutches or a wheelchair pass ahead when entering a narrow door, hold the door or remove objects that interfere with movement from the road, do not increase walking speed beyond the reach of your interlocutor;
Remember that, in general, people who have mobility difficulties do not have problems with vision, hearing or understanding.
People with visual impairmentsoften experience a discriminatory attitude towards themselves, because it seems to their interlocutor that the person is not only limited in one of the means of perceiving the world, but is generally unable to understand what they are talking about we're talking about and make the necessary decision.
Observe the following rules:
When you meet with a person who has poor or no vision, be sure to identify yourself and those people who came with you;
When accompanying, guide the person carefully, do not drag him along with you; most often, it is enough to support the person who cannot see well under the elbow and move at an average pace towards the goal. At the same time, you should warn him about obstacles, trying to clearly determine their location (for example, “three steps straight ahead there will be a low threshold”;
When inviting a person with poor vision to sit down, do not sit him down, but point your hand at the back of the chair or armrest;
U people with hearing impairments- other barriers, therefore, for effective communication it is important to follow special etiquette rules that serve to facilitate the interlocutor’s receipt of information through the channels of perception available to him (visual or audio).
When communicating with a person who has poor hearing:
Look straight at him;
Do not darken your face or block it with your hands, hair or other objects. It is better that your interlocutor has the opportunity to monitor your facial expression;
Speak clearly and evenly. There is no need to overemphasize anything or raise your voice too much (shout);
Make sure you are understood; if in doubt, ask politely;
Use short and simple phrases, do not burden your speech with special terms, insignificant information and complex speech structures;
If a specific sentence is not understood by the interlocutor, rephrase it;
Hearing impairment is often accompanied by speech difficulties. Communicating with a person with such problems requires tact and delicacy. Sometimes people experience involuntary awkwardness when communicating with people with speech difficulties, try to get out of the situation as quickly as possible, and make several common mistakes:
they pretend to understand the phrase when in fact they do not;
interrupt the speaker with the words “I understand”;
negotiate for the interlocutor;
interrupt . communication.
Rules for interacting with a person who has speech difficulties, are as follows:
- do not ignore such people and do not avoid talking to them;
- be prepared for the fact that communication will take quite a long time;
- focus on the conversation and maintain visual contact with the interlocutor;
- allow the interlocutor to fully finish the phrases and start speaking only when you are convinced that the thought is complete;
- do not hesitate to ask again or clarify if you do not understand something;
- do not be biased towards your interlocutor: difficulties in speech do not directly entail difficulties in perceiving and processing information;
- If there are serious barriers to speech communication, tactfully suggest alternative way exchange of information, such as correspondence.
When communicating with people with mental disorders, it is necessary to remember:that these disorders are not the same as developmental problems.
People with mental problems may experience emotional disturbances or confusion that make their lives difficult.
They have their own special view of the world.
Mental disorders are not always accompanied by intellectual impairments; moreover, they often manifest themselves not on an ongoing basis, but situationally. Often such people feel that they are being prejudiced and that conspiracies are being woven against them. As a rule, such people do not get along well with other people because they are difficult to get along with.
That's why:
Try to react calmly to any manifestations of excitement, proceed from the idea that most people with mental disorders can cope with negative emotions;
Try to understand the situation and if you are unable to help him, involve specialists (psychologist, social worker).
Each of us must be extremely restrained in our emotions. If during your walk-through during the day you notice that something has broken down, tactfully find out what happened. Draw up an act. If the listener admitted his guilt, great, let him sign your document. If he does not admit his guilt, indicate so.
But, under no circumstances say, especially if the listener does not admit guilt, that he needs to pay for the damage. You inform your management, deputy directors, and group supervisor. We will take further actions ourselves. Your task is to maintain order and make comments very carefully.
You must learn to feel a person, then you will understand with whom and how to speak: to calm someone gently, to persuade someone, to someone more strictly. The main thing is to feel in moderation. Never raise your tone or show your irritation.
Working with people is one of the most difficult jobs, and working with our category of people is several times more difficult.
But we are working as a team. Therefore, if you notice that listeners communicate rudely with each other, do not hear you, do not respond to comments, be sure to notify us. We will take action depending on the problem.
Returning to the question of the ethics of communication and work with people with disabilities, I would like to repeat again that the main thing when interacting with them is respect, goodwill and the desire to help. By being polite, tactful and open-minded, you can overcome any awkward situation, correct the mistake you made, help your interlocutor feel calm.
And lastly, it is unacceptable to address listeners as “you,” even if this is your good friend. Maintain chain of command. Respect your listeners and they will respect you. Allow “familiarity” and they will not take you seriously, which means they will not respond to comments and will never fulfill your demands.
When communicating with each other, watch what you say, how and to whom, you may be heard or the information may be misunderstood.
Don't forget the old adage: "Treat people the way you would like to be treated."
We get confused when faced with a person with disabilities, we feel awkward and can even offend him with a careless statement. And such people, being in public places, often need help, which we, again out of ignorance, cannot provide them with.
And here the disabled themselves come to the rescue, giving advice on how to behave correctly with them. This material is based on recommendations adopted by the International Movement for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is active in the West but is in its infancy in the countries of the former USSR.
Every modern person needs to know this. People with disabilities are part of society, and we must make their difficult lives easier.
General rules of etiquette when communicating with people with disabilities
When you talk to a person with a disability, speak directly to them, and not to a chaperone or sign language interpreter who is present during the conversation.
When you are introduced to a disabled person, it is quite natural to shake his hand: even those who have difficulty moving their arm or who use a prosthesis may well shake their hand - right or left, which is completely acceptable.
When you meet with a person who has poor or no vision, be sure to identify yourself and the people who came with you. If you are having a general conversation in a group, do not forget to clarify who you are currently addressing and identify yourself.
If you offer help, wait until it is accepted and then ask what to do and how to do it.
When you talk to someone who has difficulty communicating, listen carefully. Be patient, wait for the person to finish the phrase. Don't correct him or finish speaking for him. Never pretend that you understand if you really don't. Repeating what you understand will help the person respond to you and help you understand them.
When talking to someone who uses a wheelchair or crutches, position yourself so that your eyes and theirs are at the same level, this will make it easier for you to speak.
To get the attention of someone who is hard of hearing, wave your hand or pat them on the shoulder. Look him straight in the eyes and speak clearly, but keep in mind that not all people who are hard of hearing can read lips.
People who have difficulty moving
Remember that a wheelchair is a person’s inviolable space. Do not lean on it, do not push it, do not put your feet on it without permission. Starting to push a stroller without the consent of a disabled person is the same as grabbing and carrying a person without his permission.
Always ask if you need help before you give it. Offer help if you need to open a heavy door or walk on long-pile carpet.
If your offer of help is accepted, ask what needs to be done and follow the instructions carefully.
If you are allowed to push the stroller, push it slowly at first. The stroller picks up speed quickly and an unexpected jolt can cause you to lose your balance.
Always make sure that the venues where the events are scheduled are accessible. Find out in advance what problems or barriers might arise and how they can be addressed.
Do not pat a person in a wheelchair on the back or shoulder.
If possible, position yourself so that your faces are at the same level. Avoid a position in which your interlocutor needs to throw back his head.
If there are architectural barriers, warn about them so that the person can make decisions in advance.
Remember that, in general, people who have mobility difficulties do not have problems with vision, hearing or understanding.
Don't think that having to use a wheelchair is a tragedy. This is a way of free (if there are no architectural barriers) movement. There are people who use wheelchairs who have not lost the ability to walk and can move with the help of crutches, canes, etc. They use strollers to save energy and move faster.
People with poor vision and blind people
Visual impairment has many degrees. Only about 10% of people are completely blind; the rest have residual vision and can distinguish light and shadow, sometimes the color and outline of an object. Some have weak peripheral vision, others have weak direct vision with good peripheral vision. All this must be clarified and taken into account when communicating.
When offering your help, guide the person, do not squeeze his hand, walk as you usually walk. There is no need to grab a blind person and drag him along with you.
Briefly describe where you are. Warn about obstacles: steps, puddles, holes, low lintels, pipes, etc.
Use, if appropriate, phrases describing sound, smell, distance. Share what you see.
Treat guide dogs differently than regular pets. Do not command, touch or play with your guide dog.
If this is an important letter or document, you don’t need to let him touch it to convince you. However, do not replace reading with retelling. When a blind person must sign a document, be sure to read it. Disability does not relieve a blind person from the responsibility imposed by the document.
Always speak directly to the person, even if they cannot see you, rather than to their sighted companion.
Always identify yourself and introduce other interlocutors, as well as the rest of those present. If you want to shake hands, say so.
When you invite a blind person to sit, do not sit him down, but point your hand at the back of the chair or the armrest. Do not move his hand along the surface, but give him the opportunity to freely touch the object. If you are asked to help take an object, you should not pull the hand of a blind person towards the object and take this object with his hand.
When you communicate with a group of blind people, do not forget to name the person you are addressing each time.
Don't force your interlocutor to talk into the void: if you move, warn him.
It is quite normal to use the word "look". For a blind person, this means “seeing with your hands”, touching.
Avoid vague definitions and instructions that are usually accompanied by gestures, expressions like “The glass is somewhere over there on the table.” Try to be precise: “The glass is in the middle of the table.”
If you notice that a blind person has lost his way, do not control his movement from a distance, come up and help him get onto the right path.
When going up or down stairs, lead the blind person perpendicular to them. When moving, do not make jerks or sudden movements. When accompanying a blind person, do not put your hands back - this is inconvenient.
People with hearing loss
When talking to someone who is hard of hearing, look directly at them. Do not darken your face or block it with your hands, hair or other objects. Your interlocutor should be able to watch your facial expression.
There are several types and degrees of deafness. Accordingly, there are many ways to communicate with people who are hard of hearing. If you don't know which one to prefer, ask them.
Some people can hear, but perceive certain sounds incorrectly. In this case, speak more loudly and clearly, choosing the appropriate level. In another case, you will only need to lower the pitch of your voice, since the person has lost the ability to perceive high frequencies.
To get the attention of someone who is hard of hearing, call them by name. If there is no answer, you can lightly touch the person or wave your hand.
Speak clearly and evenly. There is no need to overemphasize anything. There is also no need to shout, especially in your ear.
If you are asked to repeat something, try rephrasing your sentence. Use gestures.
Make sure you are understood. Don't be shy to ask if the other person understood you.
If you are providing information that includes a number, a technical or other complex term, or an address, write it down, fax or email it, or in any other way, so that it can be clearly understood.
If you have difficulty communicating verbally, ask if texting would be easier.
Don't forget about the environment that surrounds you. In large or crowded rooms, it is difficult to communicate with people who are hard of hearing. Bright sun or shade can also be barriers.
Very often deaf people use sign language. If you communicate through an interpreter, do not forget that you need to address the interlocutor directly, and not the interpreter.
Not all people who are hard of hearing can read lips. It's best for you to ask this at the first meeting. If your interlocutor has this skill, there are several important rules to follow. Remember that only three out of ten words are read well.
You need to look the other person in the face and speak clearly and slowly, use simple phrases and avoid unimportant words.
You need to use facial expressions, gestures, and body movements if you want to emphasize or clarify the meaning of what was said.
People with developmental delays and communication problems
Use accessible language, be precise and to the point.
Avoid verbal cliches and figurative expressions unless you are sure that your interlocutor is familiar with them.
Don't talk down. Don't think that you won't be understood.
When talking about tasks or a project, tell everything step by step. Give your partner a chance to play out each step after you've explained it to them.
Assume that an adult with a developmental delay has the same experiences as any other adult.
Use illustrations or photographs if necessary. Be prepared to repeat several times. Don't give up if they don't understand you the first time.
Treat a person with developmental disabilities the same way you would treat anyone else. In conversation, discuss the same topics that you discuss with other people. For example, plans for the weekend, vacation, weather, recent events.
Contact the person directly.
Remember that people with developmental delays have legal capacity and can sign documents, contracts, vote, consent to medical care, etc.
People with psychiatric problems
Mental disorders are not the same as developmental problems. People with mental problems may experience emotional disturbances or confusion that make their lives difficult. They have their own special and changeable view of the world.
One should not think that people with mental disorders necessarily need additional help and special treatment.
Treat people with mental disabilities as individuals. There is no need to draw premature conclusions based on your experience with other people with the same form of disability.
It should not be assumed that people with mental disorders are more prone to violence than others. This is a myth. If you are friendly, they will feel relaxed.
It is not true that people with mental disorders have problems understanding or have lower intelligence levels than most people.
If a person with a mental health problem is upset, ask them calmly what you can do to help them.
Don't speak harshly to someone who has a mental disorder, even if you have reason to do so.
People who have difficulty speaking
Don't ignore people who have difficulty speaking because it is in your best interest to understand them.
Do not interrupt or correct someone who is having difficulty speaking. Start speaking only when you are sure that he has already finished his thought.
Don't try to speed up the conversation. Be prepared for the fact that talking to someone with speech difficulties will take longer. If you are in a hurry, it is better to apologize and agree to communicate at another time.
Look the other person in the face and maintain eye contact. Give this conversation your full attention.
Do not think that difficulty speaking is an indicator of a person’s low level of intelligence.
Try to ask questions that require short answers or a nod.
Don't pretend if you don't understand what you've been told. Feel free to ask again. If you still fail to understand, ask them to say the word at a slower pace, perhaps spelling it out.
Don’t forget that a person with speech impairment also needs to speak out. Don't interrupt or suppress him. Don't rush the speaker.
If you have problems communicating, ask if your interlocutor would like to use another method - write, type.
***Don't be confused that the list of what is right and wrong is so extensive. When in doubt, rely on your common sense and empathy. Treat another person as you treat yourself, respect him in the same way - and then everything will be fine.
Tatiana Prudinnik
10 general rules etiquette when communicating with disabled children and children with disabilities
1. When communicating with a disabled child, contact him directly, and not the accompanying parent.
2. It is natural to shake hands with a person with a disability - even those who have difficulty moving their hands or who use a prosthesis.
3. When meeting a person with low vision, be sure to identify yourself and everyone who is with you. If you are having a general conversation in a group, do not forget to explain who you are currently addressing and identify yourself.
4. When offering help, wait until it is accepted, and then ask what and how to do. If you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask again.
5. Treat disabled children by name, and treat teenagers as adults.
6. Leaning or hanging on someone's wheelchair is the same as leaning or hanging on the wheelchair owner.
7. When talking to a person who has difficulty communicating, listen carefully. Be patient and wait for him to finish his sentence. Don't correct or finish speaking for him. Don’t hesitate to ask again if you don’t understand your interlocutor
8. When speaking to someone who uses a wheelchair or crutches, try to position yourself so that your eyes are at the same level. It will be easier for you to talk, and your interlocutor will not need to throw back his head.
9. To attract the attention of a person who is hard of hearing, wave your hand or pat him on the shoulder. Look him straight in the eye and speak clearly.
10. Don’t be embarrassed if you accidentally say, “See you later,” or, “Have you heard about this...?” to someone who cannot actually see or hear.
Disabled people are the same people, only the very, very...
Disability- this is not deprivation of fate, it is, rather, such a way of life under the current circumstances, and this way of life can be very interesting - both for me and for others.
(Elena Dunaeva, disabled group I)
The information was prepared by a teacher-psychologist from the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution “Secondary School No. 1” in Megion
Features of interaction with
disabled children
and children with disabilities
Tactics of interaction with children with disabilities and disabled children
Children who hide health problems:
Children clearly have a negative self-attitude and rejection of the fact of their physical limitation or disability.
Necessary:
ü Relieve the feeling of fear in communication caused by a feeling of inadequacy to the world around you;
ü Prepare for the possibility of incorrect behavior on the part of others, for an adequate perception of this behavior;
ü To form a compensatory mechanism in the child, revealing his internal reserves ( positive attitude, success in any type of activity, overcoming difficulties and fixation on success, etc.);
ü Support the child in the pursuit of finding meaning in his life, achieving specific and realistic life prospects.
Children who don't hide health problems:
Behavior options:
1. Manipulating others through one’s health status: Position: “Everyone owes me!”
Necessary:
ü Foster independence and personal responsibility for your life, eliminating excessive guardianship;
ü Learn to manage your actions: plan, look for internal and external resources;
ü Create situations of success;
ü Develop the need for self-knowledge, self-regulation, and correct self-presentation.
2. “I am myself!” behavior
Position: overcome your difficulties independently at all costs; irritation when they are treated as infirm.
Necessary:
ü Form a realistic attitude towards your health;
ü Help the child set the limit of acceptable psychophysiological costs;
ü Teach to ask for help if necessary, without feeling false shame.
Children who are unaware of their health status
Necessary:
ü Prepare to perceive real information about the state of your health and the limitations that it will encounter;
ü “Do not tie” him to the fact of his state of health in the process of further activities with him;
ü Having determined the “points of growth”, the prospects for its development, taking into account the state of health, purposefully create situations of success;
ü To form a compensatory mechanism in the child that allows him to successfully overcome the difficulties of socialization - “transforming the disadvantages of a defect into the advantages of compensation” (by).