Hints For Working with People with Developmental Disabilities

Here are some ideas to help you and everyone get along with people who have developmental disabilities. I collected these while visiting a friend. I looked these ideas over and realized that these ideas are great for getting along with everyone . . . not just people with developmental disabilities -- in almost any situation. See if you're already using some of these in your work areas. If not, you should be.

Tips and Suggestons:
  • SMILE and be friendly.

  • Focus on abilities, not disabilities.

  • Remember a person is a person first with a disability second.

  • Be positive, have a good attitude and be patient.

  • Encourage by praising good behavior.

  • Assist by explainging what to do, rather than what not to do.

  • Make instructions simple and clear.

  • Speak clearly, and slowly, be specific.

  • Talk to and with people -- not at them.

  • Redirect challenging behavior.

  • Establish routines and prepare people in advance for unexpected changes in routine.

  • Be observant and aware.

  • Establish limitations and maintain them.

  • Be fast, firm and fair.

  • Be consistent.

  • Keep the atmosphere relaxed and happy.

  • Be aware of your voice tone.

  • Provide opportunities for choice, decision making, to express oneself.

  • Encourage confidence and self-esteem.

  • Learn new skills and develop leisure interests.

  • Reduce stress and decrease aggression.

  • Increase communication skills.

  • Provide ways to release excess energy.

  • Provide opportunities to experience challenge.

  • Improve overall quality of life, making life happier more meaningful and worthwhile.

    • People with developmental disabilities are still people . . . and they are people first and foremost . . . as we all are. Should we treat anyone any more differently? People are people . . . and we all have feelings.

    Author Don Doman: Don is a published author of books for small business, corporate video producer, and owner of Ideas and Training (http://www.ideasandtraining.com), which provides business training products. Don also owns and Human Resources Radio (http://www.humanresourcesradio.com), which provides business training programs and previews 24-hours a day.

    Source: www.articletrader.com