Disabilities

1. Disabilities

2. Some Important Dates • 1829 Braille invented. • 1864 Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind grants college degrees. • 1869 First wheelchair patent given. • 1890-1920 Push for state worker’s compensation program: no. of states: 1913, 21 ; 1919-43. • 1916 British Braille is English standard. • 1921 AFB (Helen Keller) is founded. • 1927 Forced sterilization is not violation of constitutional rights; 1970s, 60,000; 27 states. • 1935 Social Security Act sets aside federal funds for old age and blind and disabled children • 1947 First President’s Committee on National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week is celebrated. • 1960 Social Security Amendment eliminates restriction of 50 years or older. • 1961 ANSI publishes specs for access. • 1971 National Center for Law and the Handicapped is founded. • 1975 Education of All Handicapped Children Act is passed. • 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act is passed.

3. Critical Disadvantage • 35% (vs 78%) employed • 26% (vs (%) in poverty • 21% (vs 10%) drop out of high school • 31% (vs 13%) have inadequate transportation • 18% (vs 7%) go without health care • Less likely to socialize • 34% (vs 61%) are satisfied • 50% (vs 25%) worry about being a burden

4. The Perfect Storm • Inadequate Social Structure • Cultural Assumptions *Are unreliable *Accommodation is costly *Are likely to sue employer • Disincentives

5. General Considerations • Imagine how you would like to be treated if you were he/she. • Interact with the person, not the disability. • If you do not know, ask. • Always speak to him/her directly. • Be patient and willing to learn. • Offer assistance, wait for acceptance before acting. • Make effective communication a priority. • Relax. Have a sense of humor.

6. Considerations in Mental-Health Disabilities • There are many types. • Illness can be chronic or short-term. • Causes can be: biochemical, emotional, environmental. • There are many types of medication. • Disability does not automatically preclude him/her from working. • Some medication have side effects. • Some individuals are uncomfortable talking about it. • It is an ‘invisible disability’…confidentiality is extremely important. • It is the most frequent disability encountered in the workplace.

7. Interacting with People Who Have Mental-Health Disabilities • Discuss in private. • Treat him/her with respect; involve him/her in problem-solving. • Do not provide therapy. • In the workplace, behavioral policies must apply to all.

8. Considerations in Physical Disabilities • There is a wide range of reasons; wide range of capabilities. • Assistive devices come in all shapes and sizes. • Do not consider any space for which you are responsible to be accessible unless you know it for sure.

9. Interacting with People Who Have Physical Disabilities • If you are not sure, ask. • His/her assistive device is his/her extension. • When talking with someone in a wheelchair, try to be at his eye level. • When expecting someone in a wheelchair, see that a wide path is clear. • When possible, provide places to sit and rest.

10. Considerations for Learning Disabilities • Learning problems are common. • They affect how people process information and may influence many of their thinking functions. • There are many types of learning disabilities; dyslexia is only one of them.

11. Interacting with People who have Learning Disabilities • Begin by asking. • Be prepared to communicate in many formats. • Be prepared to allow him/her to practice a new skill or physically experience an action. • Say literally what you mean. • Encourage him/her to work creatively and to develop nontraditional methods.

12. Considerations for Developmental Disabilities • There are many levels of intellectual deficiency. • Often, they are treated condescendingly or as children. • They are extremely reluctant to discuss their learning problems. • They are particularly sensitive to signs of approval or disapproval.

13. Interacting with People Who Have Developmental Disabilities • Avoid condescension and childish treatment. • Keep conversation simple. • Avoid noisy, busy, confusing environments. • Do not hurry. • Be prepared to repeat or paraphrase. • Break down instructions into component steps. • Encourage use of aids: charts, lists, colored folders, pictures, labels, etc.

14. Considerations for Hearing Impairments • Some consider deafness, not as a disability, but as a different culture. • There are many different levels of hearing loss. • Not all deaf use sign language. Not all can read lips or speak. • Not all use hearing aids. Those who do may not do so all the time. • Not all lip-read; of those who do, only 35% of words are successfully understood. • Sign language is not English. • Excessive volume is inappropriate.

15. Interacting with People Who Have Hearing Impairment • Find our preferred way to communicate. • Politely tap him/her to get attention. • Be prepared to use notes or interpreter. • Always look at the person, not the interpreter. • Avoid conversations in noisy places if he/she uses a hearing aid; speak clearly in normal tone. • If he/she prefers to read lips, keep obstructions away from your face. Use short, simple sentences, simple gestures and facial expressions. • Be patient and repeat your message if necessary.

16. Considerations for Speech Impairments • Many things can cause speech impairments. • They are frequently misperceived as intoxicated or mentally disabled. • They may be easier to understand at particular times and harder with fatigue or stressful situation. • Allow time for him/her to express himself/herself; allow yourself time to understand.

17. Interacting with People Who Have Speech Impairments • Ask politely for repetition if needed. • Consider moving to quieter location. • Help them to speak up in meetings or group discussions. • Do not speak for him/her or finish his/her sentences. • Ask short, simple questions to confirm your understanding. • Consider using written communication.

18. Considerations for Visual Disabilities • There is a wide range of visual impairment. • Legal blindness is 20/200 to the best correction. • Many blind people do have some sight. • They consider it more of an inconvenience than a disability. • Most do not use braille. Many use adaptive equipment.

19. Interacting with People Who Have Visual Disabilities • Introduce yourself and the names of those with you. Excuse yourself before you leave. • Offer to describe physical layout, position of food on a plate, etc. • Do not grab him/her; let them take your arm; walk half a step ahead; point out obstructions ahead. • Don’t pet a guide dog; he is working. • Changing a physical environment can cause problems; inform him if you must.