With 5%, or 1 in every 20, of South Africans affected by some form of disability, chances are good that you will have a disabled colleague at some stage in your working life.
A disability is any condition that places restrictions or limits on the way a person is able to take part in everyday activities. In the workplace a person’s disability usually does not affect their work performance, but mostly how they interact with others or how easily they are able to get around.
It has been said that the biggest barrier that people with disabilities face are not their disabilities, but other people. The disabled are usually very mindful of others’ discomfort or awkwardness about their disabilities. The way you interact with them can make the world of difference to how a disabled colleague feels about a day at the office.
Disabled people are just people
Disabled people don’t want sympathy. They want acceptance and to be treated as equals. Include them in all office and social activities and consider their specific needs when organising meetings, outings and special events.
Respect for their person and personal space
A person’s disability might be very evident, but this does not mean that that person feels comfortable talking about it or answering personal questions relating to it. Respect that. Also respect any pieces of equipment or devices they use to make their lives easier – don’t move these around without asking them first.
A helping hand
To offer help to a disabled colleague is normally fine, as long as you do it in the same manner you would with other colleagues. Be polite when you offer help. Wait for it to be accepted or refused and receive any refusals of help with grace. Never assume what type of help is needed – let your colleague tell you.
Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about disability.