One of the key factors that affect the confidence, performance, and job satisfaction of people with disabilities is the attitude of others around them. Whether it is in the community or workplace, it is important for people to interact in the right way with those with disabilities. Further, negative perceptions can hinder the advancement and inclusion of those with disabilities. To avoid this outcome, here are a few ways to support a person with a disability:

1. Ask, don’t assume
One may believe that a person with a disability needs help even if they do not ask for it. However, it is important to ask them if they need assistance first and then act accordingly. Politely inquiring whether they need additional support to make a task easier or more accessible for them is the best way to support those with disabilities. This way, one can also understand exactly how the other person would like to be assisted.

2. Speak with clarity and listen carefully
Whenever one is interacting with a person with cognitive or developmental disabilities, it is crucial to speak clearly using simple words. One should be cautious about the pace of speech, vocabulary, and complexity of the language and match their speech with that of the person with the disability. Additionally, it is important to let those with speech impairments complete their sentences at their own pace and avoid interrupting them or finishing their sentences. The key is to remember that people can make decisions independently unless they have communicated otherwise.

3. Speak directly and maintain eye contact
One should speak directly to people with disabilities at their eye level. It is an important step even when there is an interpreter or care attendant accompanying the person with a disability. For instance, even when those with hearing impairments look at their interpreter during the conversation, one must continue to focus on their interaction directly with the person instead of with the interpreter. This shows the other person that one is interested in listening to them and values whatever is being said.

4. Respect their boundaries
Those who use mobility aids and assistive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers consider the equipment a part of their personal space. So, one should avoid any interaction with these aids without asking for permission. This means one should not touch or lean on the aids or devices. Similarly, one should not make assumptions and start pushing a wheelchair until one is asked to do so.

5. Consider accessibility
When setting up a meeting with persons with disabilities in any public or private place, one should ensure that the place is accessible. One should also check with those with disabilities if a place they are considering would work. Consider offering options so that they can pick a place that seems to be the most accessible, i.e., one that has wheelchair-accessible washrooms, parking spaces, ramps, and more. Additionally, it wouldn’t hurt to ask the other person if they have any specific requirements before setting up a meeting.