Respectful+Interactions+with+People+Who+Have+a+DIsability


 * __ Respectfully Interacting With People With Disabilities ﻿by u3046837 __**

“It is not uncommon for some of us to be uncomfortable around people with disabilities. We may be unsure of what to do, how to act, what is correct, and what will offend. The most effective strategy is to be sensitive, flexible and honest. A lack of sensitivity or flexibility can make the situation awkward, and may cause unintentional discrimination. Acknowledging feelings of awkwardness assists us to learn. Talking about disability is often difficult, partly because the appropriate terminology is unclear and often laden with negative connotations.” //Maroondah City Council, 2005//

This document is extremely useful in outlining not only the correct terminology we should use when referring to people with a disability, but also how we can best interact and respect people with a disability.

People who have a disability often describe that the way they are treated is based on misunderstanding of their disability. As the document states, people are often unsure about how to interact with people who have a disability, and this can lead to uncomfortable or unintentionally offensive situations. One of the most common misconceptions that people tend to have towards people who are blind or have a physical disability, is the assumption that they also have a hearing impairment (Foreman, 2008).

This article places disabilities into separate categories and identifies the correct and most respectful way in which to interact with people with a disability. To sum up this article, we should be treating each other how we would like to be treated, ensuring interactions are polite, respectful and honest.


 * References:**

Foreman, P. 2005. //Inclusive in Action.// Cengage. Australia.

Maroondah City Council. 2005. //Communicating With People With Disabilities//. []. (Online).