Disability Awareness

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Disability Awareness

• Presented By
• Faye Reber
• Spring Training
• Residence Life
• Central Michigan University

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Disability Awareness

• What types of disabilities do we see every day on
  campus?
• What are some disabilities that may not be so
  obvious?

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The Basics

• Ask Before You Help
• Be Sensitive About Physical Contact
• Think Before You Speak
• Dont Make Assumptions
• Respond Graciously to Requests

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The Basics

• Ask Before You Help!
• Just because someone has a disability, dont
  assume they need help. If the setting is
  accessible, he or she will probably be able to
  get around just fine.
• If you notice someone struggling, ask if they
  would like some assistance. Do not be offended if
  they tell you no.

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The Basics

• Be Sensitive About Physical Contact!
• Some people with disabilities depend upon their
  arms or other parts of their bodies for balance.
  Grabbing or touching them no matter the intent
  may really set someone off balance or scare
  them.
• Patting someone on the head or touching/leaning
  on someones wheelchair, walker, or cane is rude
  as these are seen as an extension of their body
  and part of their personal space.

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The Basics

• Think Before You Speak!
• Speak directly two the person who had the
  disability. An aide, interpreter, or companion
  can be distracting at first, but you will get
  used to it.
• Speak with someone with a disability just as you
  would anyone else. Some people are more
  comfortable than others discussing their
  disability and this is something you will have to
  gage for yourself. Do not be offended if the
  person you are speaking with does not want to
  share personal information.

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The Basics

• Dont Make Assumptions!
• The person with the disability is best able to
  determine what they can and cannot do. Be careful
  not to make decisions for or speak for someone
  with a disability.
• Utilize your resources in the planning process of
  activities and events to help make them the most
  accessible from the beginning.

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The Basics

• Respond Graciously to Requests!
• When someone with a disability asks you to
  accommodate them it most shows that they are
  comfortable enough to request that of you. Be
  flattered, not put off.
• We WANT the individuals in our community to be
  comfortable where they live and everyone deserves
  reasonable accommodations.

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• Handicap
• VS
• Disability

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Definitions

• Handicap A situation or barrier imposed by
  society, the environment, or oneself.
• Disability A functional limitation that
  interferes with a persons ability to walk, talk,
  hear, learn, etc.

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Examples

• Handicap
• Building with steps, but no ramp.
• No accessible parking spots.
• Sidewalks without ramps.

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Examples

• Disabilities
• Mobility Impairments
• Epilepsy
• Learning disabilities
• Hearing Impairments
• Visual Impairments

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Person First Language

• Its the
• Person First,
• Then the Disability

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Person First Language

• Speak of the person first, then the disability.
• Example There are times that someones
  disability is relevant to the conversation. Say
  things such as has a learning disability,
  utilizes a wheelchair, has a physical disability.
  Dont say learning disabled, wheelchair bound,
  crippled.

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Person First Language

• Emphasize abilities, not limitations.
• Example When you are introducing someone without
  a disability would you say, This is my friend
  Julie. She doesnt have a disability. OR This
  is my friend Julie. Shes an amazing
  photographer
• Dont patronize - do use age appropriate
  interactions.

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Person First Language

• Dont label people as a part of a disability
  group (i.e. the disabled)
• Choice and independence are very important for
  people with disabilities (just as everyone.)
  Allow a person with a disability to do or speak
  for him or herself as much as possible.

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Specific Interactions

• Interacting with people who Utilize a Wheelchair
• Get at their level. If the conversation is more
  that a greeting in passing, find a place to sit
  that puts you at eye level.
• Dont touch or push someones wheelchair without
  their permission. It is an extension of them.
• Keep ramps and accessible doors clear and in
  working order.
• Be aware of someones reach limits and keep
  things within reach.
• If the front desk/service counter is too high,
  walk around.
• Realize that not all mobility impairments are
  visible.

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Specific Interactions

• Working with someone who is blind or has a visual
  impairment
• Identify yourself and others when conversing and
  before making any physical contact.
• If this person is new to your facility, offer to
  tour them around.
• Once someone who is blind has learned their
  environment, dont move things or explain what
  has moved. Someone who is blind will expect a
  certain amount of change in public areas.
• If the person utilizes a service animal, walk on
  the opposite side of the animal. Remember
  harness on working!
• Dont avoid common sayings, i.e. you see what I
  mean?
• In a group setting still give handouts and other
  visual aids to a person who is blind.
• Dont guide someone unless they ask for
  assistance.

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Specific Interactions

• Interacting with someone who is Deaf or Hard of
  Hearing
• There are two main types of sign language that
  people use (American Sign Language and Signed
  Exact English). However, not every person who is
  Deaf or Hard of Hearing uses sign language.
• Many people rely on lip-reading. It is important
  to speak clearly, dont exaggerate, and look at
  the person you are speaking to. If you are in the
  group setting and know of someone who may be
  lip-reading, try to place yourself in front of
  them.
• If someone uses an interpreter, look at the
  person you are speaking to NOT the interpreter
  (who will most likely be standing next to you).
• Speak at a moderate pace which allows time for
  the interpreter to sign or the person to read
  lips.

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Specific Interactions

• Interacting with someone who is Deaf or Hard of
  Hearing
• Use an appropriate way of getting someones
  attention.
• Tapping on shoulders from behind may really
  startle someone who is deaf.
• Be aware of lighting and other distractions.
• Make appropriate emergency action plans.
• Be aware of background chatter. If someone has a
  hearing aid just remember that it amplifies
  everything, not just your voice.
• There is no need to shout.

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Specific Interactions

• Interacting with someone with a speech
  impairment.
• Patience is essential. Give the person your full
  attention.
• If you did not understand the person, ask them to
  repeat themselves. Do not pretend to understand
  if you dont.
• If you are not sure if you understood, repeat
  what you think you heard for verification.
• A quiet environment will be helpful.
• Allow the individual to finish speaking even if
  you think you know what he or she is saying.

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Hidden Disabilities

• Epilepsy A neurological disorder characterized
  by seizures. If someone has a seizure you cannot
  do anything to stop it. Just make sure the area
  is clear of objects that could cause injury. If
  you are unaware of their seizure history or
  protocol, call 911.
• Many people with Epilepsy have been able to
  control their seizures with medication. However,
  should they have a seizure it can be an
  embarrassing experience.

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Hidden Disabilities

• Psychiatric Disabilities (Mental Illnesses)
• Some common ones would include Depression,
  Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality
  disorder, and schizophrenia.
• Stress can affect a persons ability to function.
  
• If in crisis stay calm and be supportive.
• Treat each person as an individual they are not
  crazy.

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Hidden Disabilities

• Learning disabilities Most people with learning
  disabilities have average or above average
  intelligence.
• Dyslexia and other reading disabilities effect
  ability to read. Give verbal information and
  allow extra time for reading.
• Auditory Processing disorders Spoken information
  may tend to get scrambled as it is processed.
  Also provide written directions as they are
  easier to follow.
• It may be most accommodating to provide both
  written and verbal information to best fit
  everyone.
• Individuals with learning disabilities may do
  best in a quiet setting allowing them to better
  focus.

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Services on CMUs Campus

• Located in Park Library 120 Services available
  include
• Screen Reading software
• Magnification software
• Adaptive Computers
• Audio tape recorded texts
• Note takers
• Extended time for test taking
• Enlarged print
• Readers
• On-campus Transportation

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Resources and References

• www.pacer.org
• www.unitedspinal.org
• http//www.cmich.edu/student2Ddisability/
• http//www.cmich.edu/ada/default.htm
• http//www.sanantonio.gov/planning/disability_hand
  book/disability_handbook.asp?res1280vertrue
• http//www.unitedspinal.org/pages.php?catid7page
  id472
• http//www.crinet.org/dignity.php\
• http//www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagenam
  entl_etiquette
• http//www.nod.org/
• http//www.reslife.cmich.edu/rama/diversity/Disabi
  litieawareness.shtml
• http//www.reslife.cmich.edu/rama/diversity/Disabi
  lityEtiquette.shtml