- You do not need to modify the way you express yourself when talking to someone with mobility or dexterity difficulties.
- If you offer assistance, wait until your offer is accepted before helping and let the person suggest the best way to help.
- Be relaxed with the person and maintain good eye contact even if you see their eyes jerking away or they have uncontrollable movements.
- Don't avoid shaking someone's hand if they have a visible difficulty with their arms or hands, but ask first if you may. If you are offered a handshake, be aware that the person may have painful or weak joints and take care with the strength of your grip.
- Position yourself where the student can see you easily.
- If you are talking for more than a few minutes to a wheelchair user or a person with restricted growth, try to find a place to sit so that you can make easy eye contact and avoid them having to crane their neck for long periods.
- As a general rule, avoid squatting down to talk to a wheelchair user or person of restricted growth as this is reminiscent of the way we talk to children.
- Your height may seem 'dominating'. If this is the case, stand back a bit.
- Avoid leaning on or hanging onto a person's wheelchair, this is their private space.
- Don’t move mobility aids such as crutches without the owner’s permission.
- If someone has difficulty speaking, listen attentively and be patient. If they are using a communication aid which provides synthesised speech output as the result of keyboard input, or if the individual talks very slowly, wait for them to finish. You may need to nod to reassure the person you are listening, and ask questions to clarify the situation. Make it easy for the person to answer in a short manner. You may need to repeat what you think you have understood to allow the person to elaborate further. Never pretend you have understood.
- Please remember that not all mobility and dexterity impairments are visible.
