Page 6 - New Hope Center Summer 2014 Newsletter

According to a new study by the Harris Poll and disability charity Scope, one-fifth of 18-34 year olds in the U.S and Britain say they have actu- ally avoided talking to a disabled per- son because they weren’t sure how to communicate with them.
The study goes on to reveal that an astounding 67 percent over- all (that’s two-thirds of the pop- ulation) feel uncomfortable when talking to a disabled person. Accord- ing to the research, most people have a fear of seeming patronizing or say- ing the wrong thing so it makes them feel awkward.
The problem is that communicating with persons who have a disability is the natural by-product of a society that still largely excludes the disabled. This awkwardness stems from ignorance or fear, of course – and is explained in simple terms as, “Being separate from
by Olivia Dedering
something and then suddenly having to deal with it.”
It’s nationally seen in the funding cuts that are removing the basic sup- port that enables many people with disabilities to maintain and increase their independence. It also surfaces in the loss of employment, due to em- ployers failing to offer flexible hours
or even provide adaptive equipment to employ people with disabilities. Shops, music and sports venues, and even some restaurants and bars are still widely inaccessible. Boiling down to the fact that it’s hard to be used to talking to disabled people when they’re kept out of where ev- eryone else works and socializes.
Try these easy to remember tips from Olivia:
• When you offer to help someone who has a disability, wait for a response from the person to ac- cept the help.
• Be patient. Wait for people who have a difficult time speaking to be finished, or for a person who needs time to respond to a question. Doing this is more valued than you realize.
• Don’t be nervous or scared to communicate. Don’t overthink your conversation. Many people avoid contact with people who have disabilities because they are afraid of saying something that will offend them. Common phrases like “see you later” or “did you hear about...?” are used in daily conversations. Think of ways to focus on the person rather than the disability.
• Speak ‘to’ the person! There is nothing worse than talking about the person to a coach, companion, or interpreter while the person is right next to you. Include them in on the conversation!
• Out of dignity and respect, treat adults with disabilities like adults.
6 | Summer 2014 . NHC in-ACTION
When communicating ABOUT people
who have a disability, use “person first language”.
Person first language places the person before the disability...
“Most people have a fear of seeming patronizing or saying the wrong thing so it makes them feel awkward.”