There are no set rules when it comes to interacting with colleagues with disabilities. What might be perfectly acceptable in one case, such as assisting someone who is blind, might be offensive in another situation. However, you can’t go wrong by observing the following tips.
Focus on the person, not the disability
See your colleague as a person with a disability, not as a “disabled person”. Get to know your colleague by focusing on topics such as family and hobbies, just as you would with any other new employee. Don’t demean the person by feeling sorry for him/her and don’t automatically assume what the person can or can’t do.
Providing assistance
Although people with disabilities perform many tasks well, especially with today’s technology, they do need help sometimes. Always first ask if your colleague wants help, then ask how he or she can be assisted. Be careful not to touch a person’s wheelchair or a blind person’s dog without first asking if you may do so.
Communication
Always speak directly to the person in your normal tone, and not to a sign-language interpreter, for example. If your colleague has difficulty speaking, don’t assume that you’re helping by finishing his or her sentences. The person with a disability will repeat what he or she is saying if it’s not clear at first. If the communication remains unclear, ask the person to write his or her thoughts down or suggest another way to communicate.
When discussing a popular sports event, don’t feel bad about saying that you “watched” the game around a person with limited vision. People with limited sight have other ways to “watch” a game. However, always announce yourself when entering or leaving a room where a blind person is, and say “goodbye” at the end of a conversation.
If a hard of hearing colleague reads lips, be careful not to block your face or turn your head away while talking.
Events and meetings
Plan work-related events and meetings at locations that are accessible to employees with disabilities.
Non-visible disabilities
Your colleague may have a disability that isn’t immediately apparent, such as an attention deficit disorder, asthma, a learning and developmental disability or depression.
According to Deborah Dagit, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Merck, “When it comes to working with colleagues who have mental illnesses, understanding what specific challenge your colleague is dealing with may be half the battle of successful communication”.
Be sensitive when it comes to matters of mental health. “People are usually reluctant to disclose that they are struggling with a mental-health issue because of the stigma,” says Dagit. Nevertheless, it’s important to maintain a relationship with your colleague and provide a supportive work environment.
Sources
http://fpd.gsfc.nasa.gov.
Layne, Elizabeth. n.d. Tips on working with disabled co-workers. Demand Media
www.ntu.ac.uk.