Disabilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes the following definition of disabilities:

“Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations. Disability is thus not just a health problem. It is a complex phenomenon, reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives”.

Who has never seen someone who is not able to see, to speak, to hear, to walk etc; someone with an impairment? Some were born with while others acquired later in life. The disability may be permanent or temporary.

There are many different kinds of disability and a wide variety of situations people experience. Here, we give an overview of the common ones.

1.    Vision impairment

Vision impairment refers to people who are blind or who have partial vision.
When talking with a person who is blind or has a vision impairment:

·    Always identify yourself and any others with you;

·    Ask if the person requires assistance, and listen for specific instructions, however; be prepared for your offer to be refused;

·    If guiding a blind person, let him/her take your arm, rather than taking his. Describe any changes in the environment such as steps, obstacles;

·    If the person has a guide dog, please remember the dog is working and should not be patted, fed or distracted.

2.    People who are deaf or hard of hearing

Hearing impairments can range from mild to profound. People who are hard of hearing may use a range of strategies and equipment including speech, lip-reading, writing notes, hearing aids or sign language interpreters.

When talking to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing:

·    Look and speak directly to him/her, not just to the people accompanying him/her, including interpreters;

·    Speak clearly and use a normal tone of voice;

·    If you don't understand what a person is saying, ask him/her to repeat or rephrase, or alternatively offer him/her a pen and paper.

3.    People with mental health conditions

Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that affect the mind or brain. These illnesses, which include bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders, affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts.

A person with a mental health condition may experience difficulty concentrating, which can sometimes be a result of medication.

When living with a person who suffers from mental illness:

·    Try to avoid overly stressful situations wherever possible so that his/her condition is not exacerbated.

·    Provide clear and thorough explanations and instructions, in writing if required.

·    Ask the person how they would like to receive information.

4.    People with intellectual disability

A person with an intellectual disability may have significant limitations in the skills needed to live and work in the community, including difficulties with communication, self-care, social skills, safety and self-direction. The most important thing to remember is to treat each person as an individual. A person with an intellectual disability is just like everyone else.

When living with a person who suffers from an intellectual disability:

·    Treat him/her as you would like to be treated;

·    Be considerate of the extra time it might take for a person with an intellectual disability to do or say something;

·    Be patient and give your undivided attention, especially with someone who speaks slowly or with great effort;

·    Allow more time and greater flexibility for training.

5.    People with acquired brain injury (ABI)

Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. The injury may occur because of infection, disease, lack of oxygen or a trauma to the head. The long-term effects are different for each person and can range from mild to profound.

It is common for many people with ABI to experience:

·    Increased fatigue (mental and physical);

·    Some slowing down in the speed with which they process information, plan and solve problems;

·    Changes to their behaviour and personality, physical and sensory abilities, or thinking and learning;

·    May also have difficulty in areas such as memory, concentration and communication;

·    A person with an Acquired Brain Injury does not have an intellectual disability and does not have a mental illness.

When living with people with ABI:

·    Provide clear and thorough explanations and instructions;

·    Minimise stress to maximise concentration and performance;

·    Give verbal and written instructions or try giving examples to illustrate ideas and summarise ideas;

·    Allow more time and greater flexibility for training.

6.    People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is an umbrella description which includes Autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome and atypical autism. Autism affects the way information is taken in and stored in the brain. People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and other activities. Many people with an autism spectrum disorder also have sensory sensitivities, i.e. over or under sensitivity to sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, temperature or pain.

7.    People with physical disability

The common characteristic in physical disability is that some aspect of a person's physical functioning, usually either their mobility, dexterity, or stamina, is affected. People with physical disability are usually experts in their own needs and will understand the impact of their disability.

When living with people with physical disability:

·    Always ask before offering assistance;

·    Be at the same level when talking with the person;

·    Never assume that a person with physical disability also has intellectual disability;

·    Ask permission before touching a person's wheelchair or mobility aid.

By Mr. Kamagate Yaya, Intern. Marketing in Sigma Group of Institutes - Vadodara.

Source: https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion/different-types-of-disabilities

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