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So you want to be best friend that you can but don't know how best to relate or interact with your buddy who has a disability--this is the place to talk about it.
Posted on: Fri, Sep 14 2007 9:20 AM
Posted by: ecrowley Posts: 1,698
I agree that the most important thing is treating everyone, no matter who they are, with respect. Respect is key in any situation!
Posted on: Mon, Sep 17 2007 11:24 AM
Posted by: Debbie Posts: 3,829
yes, respect people walking or not.
Posted on: Thu, Sep 20 2007 5:57 PM
Posted by: Lola Posts: 142
i also think that respect is the key to treat everyone, disabled or not
hugs, lola
Posted on: Sat, Sep 29 2007 1:55 AM
Posted by: Lisa-DB Posts: 19
I think it is important to get to know a person with a disability as you would anyone else. But not treat them like everyone else. I have a very hard to understand disability, so I don't expect people to know exactly how to interact with me right away, but I do expect them to take the time to learn.
The problem with specifics like, "Tell the blind person who you are or when you are leaving" and all of those other top ten do's and don'ts for interacting with disabled people is that they will work for some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time.
For example, those lists always say something like, "If a hearing impaired person doesn't understand what you said, try saying it a different way." Well, this hearing impaired person wants you to repeat exactly what you just said. That way, if I just missed one or two words, I can pick them up without having to start all over trying to interpret a whole new sentence. Other people might want you to try to say it a different way. The point is to get to know the person and what they need, and they should get to know you and what you need also.
It is okay to make a goof as long as you keep trying and keep the person's individuality in mind.
Posted on: Mon, Oct 1 2007 4:37 PM
great post, lisa!
Posted on: Sat, Dec 8 2007 11:19 PM
Posted by: DisabledRIder Posts: 28
i wish able bodied people would Speak clearly and normallyt to me I will ask them to repeat what they said if i don't get it .
Posted on: Sun, Dec 9 2007 3:08 PM
Posted by: Kara Posts: 2,278
I wish walkers would respect what I call my "restricted airspace" or "No fly zone"...you know that 2-3 foot space above my head that makes me shorter than grownup walkers....I HATE it in the cafeteria of the hospital I work in when people totter cups of soup of salads or whatever over my head, reaching for cups, etc.....Just because my body doesn't actually extend up that high I think my space should be respected.
Posted on: Sun, Dec 9 2007 6:25 PM
Posted by: Orbit Posts: 42
Well said Kara!!
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