How do I make a person with a disability feel welcome?

• Be the first to go up and say “Hello” and provide a warm welcome to the Club.
• Be patient.  Some people with a disability may take more time to communicate and complete tasks.
• Some people may have a carer. Please welcome them both.
• Offer help.  Some people with disability may not want to ask for help because they are embarrassed that people will judge them or lose faith in them being able to perform their role.

Offering help in the right situations shows that you care and indicates that people can come to you because you have shown that you are willing to support them.

• If you see or hear something not quite right e.g. someone bullying or making fun of a person with a disability, don’t be afraid to step in and call it out.  It is essential to create a safe and inclusive environment.

What is the appropriate way to refer to someone with a disability?

• Use person-first language.  This means that you should focus on the person before their disability.   Use the terminology of “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person”.
• Avoid using outdated terms such as “disabled”, “special needs”, “handicapped”.  Instead, use the phrases “person with a disability” or “people with a disability”.
• Do not use language that implies that the person with a disability is inspirational simply due to the fact that they have a disability.

How do I communicate with a person with a disability?

• Be natural and talk with the person with a disability as you would speak with anyone you meet.

If you would like to know the best way to communicate with a person with disability, ask them in a genuine way.

• If a person with disability attends the club with a carer, parent or interpreter, don’t speak only to the carer.  Continue to make eye contact with the person directly.  The carer is there to offer support if required.
• The most important thing is to be natural and speak in a normal tone.
• Do not speak to people with a disability in a condescending or patronising manner.

How do I communicate with a person in a wheelchair or scooter?

When talking to someone in a manual or motorised wheelchair or a person with a scooter:

• Remember never to pat them on the head.
• Ask them if they would prefer you to bend down to their eye level.  Some people prefer this, some people don’t.

How do I communicate with a person with Autism?

• For people with Autism, Avoid using idioms like, “Take a chair”, as a person with Autism may take the literal meaning and actually pick up the chair.

Instead ask, “Would you like to sit down?”.

How do I communicate with a person who is blind or has low vision?

• Greet people who are blind or have low vision as you approach them, as they may not see you coming.

Ensure they know you are talking to them by using their name and telling them your name, along with your title at the club.

• If a person is blind or who has low vision is having difficulty in finding a seat, always verbally ask the person if they require assistance before physically assisting them.

How do I communicate with a person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing?

When a person is deaf or hard-of-hearing:

• Turn to face them directly as they may be able to lip read. 
• Talk normally and clearly.
• Accompany any verbal instructions with clear physical directions.
• It’s always good to have an option of written communication like a smartphone or pen and paper.

How do I communicate with a person with an intellectual disability?

For a person with an intellectual disability:

• Use easy English
• Take the time to be patient
• Be prepared to ask things in a number of different ways.
• Use open questions.
• Be prepared to potentially repeat questions if necessary.
• If they are with a carer, ask their carer about the best way to communicate with them.

How do I communicate with a person who is non-verbal?

Don’t assume a person who is non-verbal can’t communicate.  They may use an alternate communication device such as an iPad or assistive text-to-talk technology.

They may also use other aids, such as paper and pencil, or a communication book or communication board.

If they are with a carer, ask their carer about the best way to communicate with them.

"How can I learn more?"

To learn more, feel free to visit the "Sport4All" website at http://www.sport4all.com.au