Offer people the same dignity, consideration, respect, and rights you expect for yourself
Make it a priority to provide patients and their caregivers assistance and information that facilitates, maintains, and promotes their well-being, freedom of choice, autonomy, and dignity. Afford everyone the dignity of risk , which is “being able to make choices that could have negative consequences and getting to experience those consequences.” 8 Disagreeing with someone’s choices is not sufficient grounds for guardianship. Don’t assume the person knows about or has had access to supports and accommodations. People with disabilities do not have equal access to resources that can help them make decisions or live independently. You may be the first person they encounter who can link them to resources. Continue to educate yourself about supports and accommodations that help people with disabilities live independently. The devices and services improve and evolve all the time. As you learn what a person needs to effectively and meaningfully communicate, share that information with your team.
Be aware of the barriers people with disabilities encounter
Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Relax.
Share information
˜ Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities National Training Center.
Interacting with people with visual disabilities (no vision, low vision)
• Ensure the person has access to glasses or other visual aids when engaging with them or performing tests. • When offering help, identify yourself. If they need more assistance, help them locate you, gently touch their arm and tell them as you do. • Speak directly facing the person in a natural tone and minimize background noise. • When serving as a guide: • Ask for permission (“Would you like to take my arm?”) • Avoid pointing and give specific directions (“The restroom is about seven steps in front of you.”) • When leading a person through a narrow space, give verbal instructions (“We’ll be walking through a narrow row of chairs.”). If they are holding onto your arm, put your arm
behind your back to signal they should walk directly behind you. • Increase the lighting if needed, reduce glare, and have the person face away from bright windows or light sources. • Format documents in large print (14- or 16- point font and double-spaced). Do not use glossy print materials as they are particularly vulnerable to glare. • Provide additional time for the person to read documents or refocus their gaze when shifting between reading and viewing objects at a distance. • Have reading glasses and magnifying glasses available. • Arrange furnishings so pathways are clear.
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