Helping Disabled People

There are numerous ways in which you can help disabled people. However, not enough information or awareness can lead to hindering them instead of helping them.

The following instructions will clear out some misconceptions and show you how to really help a disabled person.

1. Ask before you help - This may be the most important thing to do. Many people automatically help a disabled person without checking if the person actually needs it. People with disabilities are not shy to speak up if they need help, so don't just assume they need it. Always ask politely if you are unsure.

2. Treat them as equals - Every person wants to have fun, to experience things and to enjoy life. People with disabilities are no different than you in these matters, so don't hesitate to approach them as you would to any other person.

3. Don't talk about how inspiring they are - Even though you think you are showing your appreciation and admiration to them, disabled people don't like it when you tell them they are inspiring after doing everyday actions like buying bread on their own. Just like everybody else, they are leading normal lives, and when you find them inspirational for doing something normal, you are actually telling them they are different.

4. Don't talk louder - some people feel the urge to talk louder to disabled people, offending them unintentionally. A disabled person can hear you just fine (unless they have hearing issues), so no need to raise your voice in any situation.

5.The Golden Rule when in doubt – In cases when you are not sure what to do, just apply the Golden Rule – treat the person with respect, just as you do with any other person. After all, we all just want to be treated with respect.

These general rules are also given to those who work or volunteer in centers like NDIS disability support, along with specific rules on how to help a person with specific disabilities.

Helping visually impaired

6. Don't engage with a guide dog when it's working - if the dog is helping its owner, don't interrupt it by patting it or talking to it. These dogs are trained to help the owner in certain situations, so ask the dog owner first if you are not sure if the dog is working.

7. Ask, don't insist - if you notice a visually impaired person looks disoriented, approach them and ask if they need help. If they say they are ok, don't insist. If you do, you are taking away their independence. Also, always ask how they want you to help them before you touch them.

8. Offer your arm - In case the person needs help, don't gran their arm, as they need it for balance. Offer yours instead.

9. Identify yourself - Introduce yourself to the person in every social situation, even when you are helping them in the streets. The person will feel more comfortable receiving your help after that.

Helping a person in a wheelchair

10. Don't lean on wheelchairs - The wheelchair is the most important instrument to people sitting in them, and it's not just an object you can lean on. Remember, you wouldn't lean on a person just because they are there, right?

11. Keep ramps and walkways clear - there are alternate paths designed for wheelchair access, so it's very frustrating when that path is blocked by a bike, a car or any other object. Pay attention to where you leave them in front of a building or a store.

Helping a deaf person

12. Speak clearly - A deaf person or a person who has hearing loss can read lips, so if you speak clearly and don't yell, it will suffice for clear communication.

13. Make eye contact with the person - if there's a sign language interpreter, don't talk to the interpreter. Look at the person you are actually talking to.

14. Write the message down - If it's difficult for the two of you to communicate, try writing down the message. However, ask in written first about what the person prefers in terms of communication.

Helping a person with a speech disability

15. Don't finish sentences for them - Again, this is a matter of independence. Be patient when you are talking to a person with a speech disability and don't interrupt them or finish their sentences to make it easier for them.

16. Ask for clarification - it's perfectly ok if you sometimes don't understand when a person with a speech disability is talking to you. If you don't understand them, don't just nod along as you do. Instead, ask them to repeat the sentence or repeat the sentence for verification.

Final words

Disabled people are just like any other people but it's ok to inform yourself on how to best help them without offending them or hindering. After all, good intentions are what really counts, but don't let stay at just that - learn more in order to help more.