[blindza] FW: How Do You Do That? Demystifying People With Disabilities
- From: "Jacob Kruger" <jacobk@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Daan & Lettie van Niekerk" <dajvn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "Alison Gitelson" <alison@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 10:19:54 +0200
Thought you guys might find this article interesting.
Jacob Kruger
Blind Biker
------------------------------original message---
Subject: How Do You Do That? Demystifying People With Disabilities
How Do You Do That? Demystifying People With Disabilities
Arabia on Line - USA
Saturday, August 04, 2007.
Introduction
Nearly all employers and human resource professionals are aware of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet, how often do you, your
colleagues, or the average individual have contact with someone who is
visually impaired/blind, using a wheel chair, or profoundly deaf? When you
do, how do you react? Interact? Ignore? Assist? Marvel at their ability to
move through their environment living full and productive lives?
What can you do to put yourself and the person with a disability at ease?
Well, this is our purpose here. It is not to attempt to answer all your
questions. Rather, to discuss appropriate methods for interacting with
individuals who are disabled while squelching many myths and misconceptions.
You'll learn what to do and not do, techniques and technologies used for
employment as well as in daily living.
How many times have you heard the preferred or proper method for interacting
with someone with a disability? Probably never, if at all. In fact, the
average individual rarely has any contact with someone who is blind, deaf,
or mobility impaired. Therefore, you will be exposed to common courtesy
rules governing your interactions with these individuals.
How does someone who cannot see a computer monitor or manipulate the
keyboard use this most valuable technological tool of the coming century?
Techniques of daily living such as setting the alarm clock, cooking on the
grill, and the simple task of matching your wardrobe are tasks most of us
take for granted. Yet, how would you perform these simple jobs from a
wheelchair, without your eyesight, or hearing? You'll learn about
specialized tools, adaptive electronic equipment, and techniques used to
live a full and productive life.
Communicating - Putting one another at ease
When you meet or come in contact with an individual who has a disability,
don't be ill at ease. If you are uncertain how to assist or interact, always
speak directly to the individual. After all, they are the experts! You can
never go wrong by asking. The experience will be more pleasant for all by
remembering and following some simple points of courtesy.
Mobility Impaired
When conversing with a person who is mobility impaired, speak directly to
the individual rather than to their companion. People who use wheelchairs
are particularly sensitive to this type of treatment. If your conversation
goes on for more than a few minutes or is expected to do so, consider
sitting to be "eye-to-eye" while talking. It can be uncomfortable to look
straight up for an extended period when seated.
Don't be reluctant to use words like "Walk", "Run", or "Stand" when talking
with a mobility-impaired person. Wheelchair users and people who are
otherwise mobility impaired use these words, too.
Blind/Visually impaired
As with all people with disabilities, don't ask their spouse or companion
what they may want. Speak directly to the individual - just as you would
anyone else in a similar situation. It isn't necessary to raise your voice
or address them in a child-like manner.
Many blind people have excellent voice recognition. However, just as a
sighted person may remember a face, yet forget a name, the same can occur
with voices. Always introduce yourself by name... "Hi Mary! It's Fred!" This
simple courtesy will avoid embarrassment for both parties. On a similar
note, it's nice to know who's in the room with you. Please speak when you
enter and exit. It's helpful if others with you are introduced. Additional
information is also beneficial such as knowing if there are children, dogs,
or cats in the room.
Hearing Impaired
Hearing Impairment is usually divided into two basic groups: the deaf and
the hard of hearing. Individuals who are deaf fall into one of two
categories - cultural or oral. Those persons who primarily rely on sign
language for communicating are in the cultural category. In contrast, people
whose preferred method of communicating is lip reading or speech reading are
in the oral category.
You may have noticed that the speaking voices of people who are deaf can
often sound different from the voice of someone who has normal hearing.
Without the ability to hear their own voice as well as that of others,
modulating tones are difficult for someone with a hearing impairment. If you
cannot clearly understand a person's speaking voice, do not hide it. Admit
that you are having difficulty and use pen and paper if necessary.
On the other hand, many hard of hearing people have trouble discriminating
between words with similar sounds. Just as some words may sound alike, they
can have very different meanings. For example, "sale" and "sail" have
identical sounds, but totally different meanings. While "pen", "men", and
"bend" are not close in meaning, they can sound the same to a hard of
hearing individual. Thus, comprehending your message requires serious
concentration.
If you are familiar with American Sign Language (ASL), by all means use it.
Those you are communicating with will be most appreciative. Deaf/blind
individuals can spell out words that do not have a given sign by using a
technique known as "Finger Spelling".
Mobility - Moving THROUGH YOUR environment safely
People with disabilities want to be treated the same as anyone else. Never
rush up and startle someone with a disability by grabbing him or her. Your
best approach is to assume he or she is independent. If the individual is in
need of assistance, they will ask for help. You will never go wrong by
asking first, rather than making assumptions!
You are most likely familiar with dogs used as guides by blind individuals.
However, a service dog assists some mobility-impaired people. Remember...
interaction with the service animal is permissible only with the expressed
permission of the handler.
Mobility Impaired
There are many people who use a wheelchair or motorized scooter to get from
point A to point B; many other mobility-impaired people use crutches, canes,
leg braces and/or walkers. If you should observe someone using one of these
devices approach an entrance to a building, you may wish to offer
assistance. DO NOT automatically rush to open the door at the instant you
see someone approaching in a wheelchair, using crutches or a walker. Rather,
calmly walk to the door and offer assistance allowing the individual to
accept or reject the offer. DO NOT be insistent, and DO NOT wait until the
person is about to fall before offering your help.
Be aware of slippery floors and ramps, which can cause these devices to
easily lose traction and slide on wet surfaces. A service dog assists some
mobility-impaired people. These animals have full access to businesses and
all public places. They are working animals, not pets. Distractions such as
petting, whistling, clicking, and even establishing eye contact are not
acceptable.
Blind/visually Impaired
Three (3) basic mobility options are available to blind or visually impaired
travelers - sighted guide, white mobility cane, or a dog guide. Combinations
of the last two are also commonly used in specific situations.
When walking with someone visually impaired, don't grab his or her arm.
Allow them to take yours grasping gently at your elbow. In this manner, they
will keep a half step behind you. Your body movement will communicate
information about the travel environment. Following along with you in this
manner, curbs and steps can be easily negotiated. It is very helpful if you
alert your traveling companion to these changes as well as announcing if an
Entry/Exit door is being held open. This avoids confusion and embarrassment
for all.
The use of a mobility cane is the first major step to travel independence
for a blind person. Utilizing all available sensory input (smell, sound, and
touch), the traveler has a greater opportunity for proper orientation to
their environment. Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach techniques for
proper use of a white mobility cane. This occupation requires a Masters
degree from a university. Governmental agencies, rehabilitation centers,
schools for the blind, and some public school systems offer this training.
For many people a dog guide brings a great sense of independence. Hundreds
of people who are blind and visually impaired are trained with well
disciplined and dedicated dogs as guides each year. It is important that all
people know something about the way a dog guide team works and how to act
when encountering one of these guides.
If a person who is using a dog appears to be in need of some assistance,
approach him or her on their right side. The dog guide will usually be on
the left. Do not touch or take the person by the arm without first asking if
you can assist them. Under no circumstances, should a person take hold of
the dog guide or the harness, this will confuse the dog and startle the
individual. If assistance is accepted, offer your left elbow by brushing it
against their arm as explained in the sighted guide technique.
In some instances, the person may choose not to make use of the sighted
guide system. Instead, they may instruct the dog to "Follow" you. (Since
experience with this command varies, so does the quality of the team's
performance.) If this is the case, walk ahead of them at a normal speed
letting the person know when they are approaching turns, doorways, stairs,
and drop-offs. If the person is seeking assistance for a street crossing,
walk with them completely across the street and up on the opposite curb. The
dog guide will again resume its duties once on the sidewalk.
The most common mistake many people make is touching, calling, clicking, or
whistling to a working dog. Absolutely Do Not pet or distract a dog guide
when it is in harness or when working. Always interact with the person and
not the dog.
Hearing Impaired
Moving around in their environment presents some problems for deaf and
hearing-impaired people. Sounds and movements out of their field of vision
can create hazards. They may not be aware of traffic and emergency vehicles
approaching from behind. Hearing aids will amplify these sounds, but
direction may be difficult due to distortion.
Tools & Technology - Enhancing quality of life
Many of the chores and routine tasks associated with daily living can be
frustrating to individuals with disabilities. Thankfully, specialized tools,
equipment, and devices have been developed to help alleviate this
frustration and enhance the quality of life with increased independence.
Local agencies, rehabilitation centers, and libraries are excellent sources
for more information. However, one of our best resources is the Internet.
Online catalogues provide details about each item in stock while explaining
its function.
Mobility Impaired
When we think of a person with a mobility impairment most of us immediately
envision someone in a wheelchair. For sure, this is the most common, but
mobility impairment involves much more than that. While there are many
people using wheelchairs or motorized scooters, other impairments may
necessitate the use of tools or devices such as crutches, canes, leg braces
and/or walkers.
Technology is providing assistance in ways other than mobility devices. Some
individuals who are unable to manipulate a computer keyboard now rely on
voice recognition software to operate personal computers and other tools to
make their lives easier and more productive.
Blind/visually Impaired
Electronics have opened up a new world of independence for visually impaired
people living alone. Talking devices like clocks, thermometers, blood
pressure cuffs, and computers have brought blind people into the 21st
Century.
In fact, computers with screen reading software have opened new areas of
employment never considered viable for workers with vision difficulty.
Scanners convert printed text into voice output or Braille on a refreshable
display. Documents can be printed in text or Braille, or transmitted
electronically for co-workers. Surfing the net, reading and writing email,
as well as managing personal and business finances are now nearly as easy
for the blind as it is for the sighted.
To be sure, there are many challenges. Yet, progressive minded technicians
are moving forward with improvements at a rapid rate. Micrometers, levels,
and tape measures are available which emit electronic tones or have tactile
markings. With specialized training, workers who are blind operate equipment
like table saws, stamping machines, and manufacturing tools. Unfortunately,
not enough of these individuals are working in mainstream jobs usually due
to unfounded fears over safety issues.
Hearing Impaired
Frequently, people think a hearing aid is a "cure-all". It is not. These
devices do not function like normal hearing. Rather, they amplify sounds. A
hearing aid mainly helps to make speech clearer and understandable at a
shorter range. This will help avoid raising your voice while communicating.
Unfortunately, background noises are more amplified and cause more
distraction than it would to a person with normal hearing. Amplification
devices are available for Telephones & other office equipment. TDD equipment
allows total deaf individuals the ability to communicate via the telephone.
Lights can be installed on devices to signal when a tone is present.
Examples might be alarm clocks, doorbells, and telephones.
Summary:
It is incumbent upon us to adhere to and follow the simple rules and
guidelines presented here. Remember, people with disabilities are people
just like you. They don't want pity or condescending treatment. Their sense
of smell, touch, or hearing did not improve when they lost their vision.
They simply rely on them more and may get more information through those
senses than you do.
The development of specialized tools and devices has opened up a new world
of independent living for people with mobility, vision, and hearing
impairments. Simple jobs and ordinary task no longer require an assistant.
Electronic devices and computers have broaden employment opportunities and
enhanced quality of life for many.
It is important for you to know the correct procedure to offer assistance
while not interfering with their independence.
Finally, remember that while individuals with disabilities appreciate
attention the way we all do, he or she wants their friends, and others, to
act natural with them and not overly solicitous. Most will discuss their
disability with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to them. They
have as many other interests as you do.
Copyright 2001
http://www.DrivingVision.com
- All Rights Reserved
http://www.arabia.com/article.cfm/id/20725
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