November is Disabilities rights awareness month. How inclusive are you towards disabled persons? Be the change. Here are 6 ways you can support people with disabilities.

  1. Be sensitive to the words you use to avoid causing offence. Don’t use outdated terms such as “handicapped” or “crippled” and don’t tolerate disrespectful language.
  2. Ask first and follow their lead. If you are unsure how to interact with a person with disabilities, ask them what they would prefer.
  3. Speak directly to people with disabilities, not to their carer or family member.
  4. Treat adults with disabilities as adults. Baby talk is not appropriate.
  5. Listen patiently and attentively to a person who has difficulty speaking; do not try to finish their sentences for them.
  6. A person’s mobility equipment such as their wheelchair or cane is part of their personal space. Don’t move these without the person’s permission.

If you are affected by disability, reach out to health247 for professional counselling and support.