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Tips for Building Rapport with People with Disabilities
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Tips for Building Rapport with PWD
TIPS FOR BUILDING RAPPORT WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
LEARNING/ UNDERSTANDING, SPEAKING, VISION OR HEARING DIFFICULTIES
• Never speak or act as if the person isn’t there, even if he cannot understand
• Always treat the person as an adult
• Maximize the use of non-verbal communication (e.g Use pictures; act out your message (use body language)
• Take time and be patient
• Use humour
• Maintain normal conversational structure (take turns in the conversation)
• Make sure the person can see you clearly as you speak
• Minimize distractions. Ensure a safe and calm environment during the interaction
• Primary carers of the individual may have an effective communication system and you can use them to help you convey your message and understand theirs
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
• Volunteer your assistance or encourage and support the person to attend events or meetings. This gives the family some time to rest or work on other things.
• Ask the person with the disability how you can best assist
• Always take the person’s supportive aids (e.g. cane, crutches, wheelchair) along if you are going somewhere with them
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
• Engage in play with children with disabilities
• Use humor
• Maximize the use of non-verbal communication
• Never speak as if the child is not there
• Offer physical assistance/support to participate in play if they child cannot move or sit up by himself
MENTAL ILLNESS/EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES
If the person is aggressive or has challenging behaviours:
• Remain calm
• Redirect (change the topic; distract the person; direct him/her to a pleasant activity)
• Reassure
• Revise (adapt questions or tasks; lessen demands)