Tips for Building Rapport with PWD

TIPS FOR BUILDING RAPPORT WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

LEARNING/ UNDERSTANDING, SPEAKING, VISION OR HEARING DIFFICULTIES

• Never speak or act as if the person isn’t there, even if he cannot understand

• Always treat the person as an adult

• Maximize the use of non-verbal communication (e.g Use pictures; act out your message (use body language)

• Take time and be patient

• Use humour

• Maintain normal conversational structure (take turns in the conversation)

• Make sure the person can see you clearly as you speak

• Minimize distractions. Ensure a safe and calm environment during the interaction

• Primary carers of the individual may have an effective communication system and you can use them to help you convey your message and understand theirs

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

• Volunteer your assistance or encourage and support the person to attend events or meetings. This gives the family some time to rest or work on other things.

• Ask the person with the disability how you can best assist

• Always take the person’s supportive aids (e.g. cane, crutches, wheelchair) along if you are going somewhere with them

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

• Engage in play with children with disabilities

• Use humor

• Maximize the use of non-verbal communication

• Never speak as if the child is not there

• Offer physical assistance/support to participate in play if they child cannot move or sit up by himself

MENTAL ILLNESS/EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES

If the person is aggressive or has challenging behaviours:

• Remain calm

• Redirect (change the topic; distract the person; direct him/her to a pleasant activity)

• Reassure

• Revise (adapt questions or tasks; lessen demands)