Disability Awareness
Disability Awareness Training
Introduction
As a member of Security Team you may experience the need to communicate with disabled customers or visitors to these premises. It is therefore important that we all understand the correct etiquette to use to ensure that the customer or visitor has a positive memorable visit due to the excellent customer service we provide.
Words and phrases guidelines Disability vs. Handicap
• A disability is a condition caused by such things as an accident or trauma, disease, or genetics that limits a person’s vision, hearing, speech, mobility, or mental function.
• A handicap is a constraint imposed upon a person, regardless of that person’s ability or disability. These constraints can be physical or attitudinal. For example, stairs and curbs are handicaps imposed on those who use wheelchairs.
Points to Note
• Individuals with disabilities are people!
• Individuals with disabilities are whole people!
• They expect to be treated with the same dignity and respect that you do.
• Just because someone has a disability does not mean he/she is disabled. Disability Etiquette
• Remember, he/she is a person, NOT a disability.
• A wheelchair is part of a person’s body space; do not lean on it.
• Speak directly to the individual, not to the person assisting him or her.
• Interact with the person at eye level. If need be, sit down.
• Be aware of the distance between you and the individual, as he or she may have difficulty hearing you.
• Offering help is never the wrong thing to do, but make sure it is provided in an unobtrusive manner.
• Follow through on whatever needs to be done. Do not make a premature exit when assisting someone.
• Never patronise them by patting them on the head or back.
• Offer to shake their hand, even if it appears as if they have limited use of their arms or have an artificial limb. Simply the gesture will help them feel accepted and create a warmer environment for communication.
• For
Introduction
As a member of Security Team you may experience the need to communicate with disabled customers or visitors to these premises. It is therefore important that we all understand the correct etiquette to use to ensure that the customer or visitor has a positive memorable visit due to the excellent customer service we provide.
Words and phrases guidelines Disability vs. Handicap
• A disability is a condition caused by such things as an accident or trauma, disease, or genetics that limits a person’s vision, hearing, speech, mobility, or mental function.
• A handicap is a constraint imposed upon a person, regardless of that person’s ability or disability. These constraints can be physical or attitudinal. For example, stairs and curbs are handicaps imposed on those who use wheelchairs.
Points to Note
• Individuals with disabilities are people!
• Individuals with disabilities are whole people!
• They expect to be treated with the same dignity and respect that you do.
• Just because someone has a disability does not mean he/she is disabled. Disability Etiquette
• Remember, he/she is a person, NOT a disability.
• A wheelchair is part of a person’s body space; do not lean on it.
• Speak directly to the individual, not to the person assisting him or her.
• Interact with the person at eye level. If need be, sit down.
• Be aware of the distance between you and the individual, as he or she may have difficulty hearing you.
• Offering help is never the wrong thing to do, but make sure it is provided in an unobtrusive manner.
• Follow through on whatever needs to be done. Do not make a premature exit when assisting someone.
• Never patronise them by patting them on the head or back.
• Offer to shake their hand, even if it appears as if they have limited use of their arms or have an artificial limb. Simply the gesture will help them feel accepted and create a warmer environment for communication.
• For