The nature of some disabilities can make it difficult to communicate with others. For those without such limitations, it’s important to keep certain things in mind when having discussions.
Here are some ideas for effective communication with some individuals with disabilities.
- Some people with disabilities have a difficult time hearing and depend on lip-reading in order to converse. Try to make sure to speak clearly, keep eye-contact and enunciate your words well.
- Many people with speech impediments talk slower than average. It can be hurtful when another person tries to finish off their sentences and/or assumes what they’re about to say.
- If you don’t understand what someone said the first time, simply ask her to repeat it. Most people with a speech impediment are aware of their communication limitations and are actually used to having people ask them to repeat words. At the end of the day, it’s much more respectful to continue asking them to clarify than disregard or shrug-off what they’re saying.
I PRACTICED WAYS TO BE A MORE SENSITIVE COMMUNICATOR
Now is my chance to enter a raffle where prizes will be drawn weekly!