A recent study published in Disabil Health J. discovered that even beyond 2020, persons with disabilities continue to have much greater rates of feelings of isolation low perceived social support, and social isolation than people without disabilities (Door, 2024).

The United Nations established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to break down stigma, foster communal understanding, and promote respect for disabled persons.

While today is a day to recognize, it is insufficient to create a better favorable view of individuals with disabilities. As a society, it is our responsibility to push change and modify outmoded stereotypes of persons with disabilities.

One of the most effective ways to contribute to good change is to EMPOWER anyone living with a handicap to embrace their sense of self by Learning design innovation and technology and developing the supporting culture. Whether you have an intellectual or physical impairment, here are five easy methods to Strengthen an Individual with an impairment.

1. Consider an individual first, not the disability.

If you’ve never spent some time with someone with a handicap, it may be a pretty shocking experience. During your initial contact, you may be unclear on how to approach them effectively.

If you see yourself grappling with an interaction, attempt to put yourself in a similar position. How would you like to be treated?

  • People with disabilities, like everyone else, have unique identities.
  • They share our feelings and have similar personal interests and activities.
  • They will engage in romantic partnerships.
  • They’ll have goals, aspirations, and passions.

A person with a handicap wants to be characterized by their personality rather than their talents. You do not need to alter your behavior while engaging with someone with a handicap.

  • Speak at your regular pace, loudness, and tone
  • Use person-first language
  • Relax and be yourself

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2. Ask queries to discover more about the individual who is underlying the disability.

There will undoubtedly be a time when you are unclear on how to engage with or even assist anyone living with a handicap. Instead of developing preconceived notions or assumptions about what an individual with a handicap may require, ask people what they would desire.

Take the time to learn more about the individual with the disability:

When you ask questions, you could be surprised at what you learn (ER, 2020). These insights about their personality will help you improve your collaboration and identify the most creative, imaginative, and enjoyable way to spend the day together. The options are limitless.

3. Pay attention to the person with the disability.

We hear it all the time: listening to and allowing others to utilize their voices is critical to ensuring that they feel powerful and confident in themselves. When listening to a person with a handicap, use active listening strategies to show them you are interested in the conversation.

  • Look at them straight.
  • Show them you are listening through nonverbal reactions (e.g., nodding).
  • Defer judgments and respond when appropriate.

Due to Innovations in education and teaching international it is seen that, Communication is a two-way street; be patient and allow the other time to convey their feelings, needs, dreams, or ambitions. A good listener must also embrace their emotional intelligence.

When the occasion arises to have your next discussion with a person living with a handicap, and you need to alter your communication style, you can:

  • Encourage them to elaborate!
  • Seek clarification if necessary.
  • Accept that we’re all susceptible.
  • Ignore any critiques you might have (doesn’t matter even if they are unintended).

4. Encourage decision-making to promote independence in people with disabilities.

Anyone who wants to live independently knows how crucial it is. Allowing persons with disabilities to make choices of their own in their daily lives is the most effective strategy to strengthen their independence. The NDIS recommends that delivering supported decision-making (SDM) is the greatest way to improve their capacity to make their own decisions.

Whatever the choice is big or little, it is our job to offer people the right information they need to make any choices regarding their lives, including:

  • What to Wear
  • When and what should I eat and drink?
  • What should I do throughout the day, involving work?
  • Who should you spend time with, including friends or family?
  • How to use your spare time, including travel?
  • When should I shower and go to bed?
  • Consent to dental and medical care, including where they reside.
  • What medical care they get
  • How are their funds managed?
  • Who and if they marry?
  • Legal matters

Some decisions may be more difficult for them to make than others, therefore we can assist persons who are handicapped before they put their choices into action by:

  • Helping them weigh their options
  • Consider the hazards.
  • Consider the positives.
  • Defer choosing if further information is requested from an expert.

While a person with a handicap will occasionally want your assistance, this does not imply that every choice they must make will be challenging for them. Stay calm and let individuals realize that you are only available if they require immediate assistance.

5. Promote disability. Inclusivity

Cultivating a welcoming culture will directly challenge and interrupt the stigma that many individuals living with disabilities continue to experience. Changing community attitudes about persons disabled individuals is one of the most significant challenges we face as a society. Adopting the rules for people with disabilities is an excellent teaching tool to help establish a more accepting community and society.

Conclusion

In summary, it is important to respect and understand the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. It is crucial to be polite and patient when offering aid, and to be prepared for rejection. Even if someone has limited hand function or wears an artificial limb, they should be acknowledged with a smile and a verbal hello. When planning events, consider the adjustments a person with a handicap may need and inform them if a barrier cannot be avoided. People with disabilities should be treated with decency and respect.