Attitudes
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Changing Attitudes
Disabled people are just like you. The attitude that you demonstrate impacts on the self-esteem of the disabled person you are assisting. Communicate and socialise with us as you would with anyone else.
There is no need to shout at disabled people or speak slowly just be natural! If we do not understand or hear you, we will ask you to repeat yourself. Additionally, if you do not understand what is being said simply ask the disabled person to repeat themselves.
Sometimes disabled people need assistance to do everyday things, like fetch a drink or transfer from a car seat to their wheelchair. You may want to help us but are unsure how to do so. The best thing you can do is to ask, "Would you like some help?" When we answer "yes", it is a good idea to ask "What is the best way for me to help you?" If we answer "no", accept our response and move on.
Disability Etiquette
Etiquette can be described as the rules that govern socially acceptable behaviour; in other words etiquette is about having good manners. We use etiquette every day when we say, "Excuse me", when we want to leave the table during a meal or when we ask, "Please may I have another slice of cake?"
- Here are some tips on etiquette to use when you are with us
- Show common courtesy and respect to disabled people
- Offer disabled people assistance let us tell you how to best help us
- Allow disabled people to make our own choices wherever possible
- Include disabled people in all decisions that affect us
When you are confident and display a positive attitude towards disabled people it benefits you both.
Example
Mary: "One day I was on my lunch break at work. I usually go down the road to a coffee shop on the corner. I go there because it is close to my workplace and I don t have to cross any roads!
My walking is impaired because I have Multiple Sclerosis. Basically I walk more slowly than everyone else. Crossing roads is a challenge!
Anyway, there were a couple of mothers with their babies in prams, talking outside the coffee shop. I did not want to barge through them so walked around them. The "cross now" buzzer went off at the pedestrian crossing, which I was close to but had no intention of using. Suddenly, an elderly woman grabbed me by the arm and led me across the road! She did not listen when I asked her to leave me alone, adding that I did not want to go to the other side. So I let her take me across the road! Once she had gone on her way I scuttled back across the road and bought my lunch. The lady meant well but it would have been better if she had have asked me if I wanted assistance to go across the road before she dragged me across!"
New Zealand Disability Strategy - you can read it or download it.
Advocacy Information Sheet 2- pdf
Advocacy Information Sheet 2- word
Writing Submissions and Letter to the editor - Information Sheet 3 - pdf
Writing Submissions and Letter to the editor - Information Sheet 3 - word
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