When we see or hear the word “disability,” we often think of people who are blind, deaf and mute, or physically unable to walk without support.
But disability is an umbrella term that encompasses a lot of other things. So, for example, in Australia, about 1 in 6 people, or 18% of the population, have some kind of disability.
If you’re interested in taking care of the disabled as a professional or if someone in your family needs your support, this article will give you some valuable tips.
- Be mindful of your tone
- Take a certified training course
- Ask them questions
- Don’t rush
- Use positive language
- Interact professionally with them
Be mindful of your tone
It’s needless to say that you must never be harsh or unnecessarily rude to someone suffering from a disability.
But on the other hand, you shouldn’t also give them the impression that they’re helpless.
Speak to a disabled person in a way that you would speak to anyone else unless they explicitly request you to behave otherwise. Be respectful and kind to them, but also give them their space.
Most people also use a condescending tone. They suggest that the disabled person needs others for every little thing. But in reality, they might be able to do them independently.
Take a certified training course
If you wish to care for the disabled professionally, joining a professional course is best.
This way, you can learn various tasks associated with caring for the disabled, especially ones who are also elderly.
A good course can help you become a lifestyle officer, support assistant for disabled children in schools, or a social educator on disability.
If you can’t decide where to take the course, Apex Training Institute is a great choice.
Moreover, they provide a specialized CHC43115 Certificate IV course in disability, allowing you to work under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) providers.
Ask them questions
Remember, disabled people also want to communicate their needs. They wish to share a glimpse of their daily life with you.
If you feel unsure about how to talk to or provide them with care, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Ask them which tasks they wish to do independently and what special needs they might have.
Avoid asking things related to how they became disabled, as it can be a sensitive topic for many. Instead, get to know the patient on a deeper level.
Many patients also believe that their disability doesn’t define their life, so encourage them to look forward to things beyond their disability.
Don’t rush
Supporting a differently-abled person isn’t a piece of cake. It takes a lot of hard work and patience, especially for caregivers who aren’t experienced.
So you must remember not to be harsh on yourself. Sometimes, you won’t understand how to handle a delicate situation.
Instead of flustering or blaming yourself, be kind and reassure your mind that it’s fine to make small mistakes initially.
This mindset will help you transition easier when you take care of the patient; even the patient will try their best to simplify things for you.
Use positive language
You might find it hard to believe, but the language that you use to interact with the patient or their close ones can make a huge difference.
For example, instead of saying that the patient is deaf and dumb, you should say that they have a hearing and speech disability.
Similarly, if they suffer from a mental illness like autism, never use phrases like “retarded”. Instead, use encouraging terms that will help the disabled individual, both mentally and emotionally.
Alternatively, avoid saying things that imply abled people are “normal” since it can make the disabled one feel that something’s wrong with them.
Interact professionally with them
Even if you’re really friendly with the individual suffering from a specific disability, you also have to remember that some things are completely out of bounds.
For example, if the patient is confined to a wheelchair, don’t pull or push them.
Or if a blind patient has a guide dog, don’t constantly pet or play with it. Remember, the guide dog serves as a visual guide to the patient; it isn’t simply any other pet.
On the other hand, when you speak to someone with a cognitive disability, speak to them clearly and slowly.
Over to you…
When supporting a disabled individual, your mindset needs to be “people first.” Only then can you help the person and make them feel encouraged and hopeful instead of feeling marginalized.