Supporting Individuals with Disabilities: Personalised Approaches and Respectful Communication

Individualised Support for Disabilities

Each type of disability requires a personalised response rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Effective support involves managing each situation individually and implementing the correct levels of support. This can be achieved through open communication among all those involved in the individual's care and maintaining consistency in the strategies used.

Care and Support Plans

All information related to the individual should be documented in a care or support plan. These plans need to be regularly updated and reviewed as part of ongoing support for the individual.

Respectful Terminology and Language

Using correct terminology and language is about being respectful to all individuals, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds. Here are some simple guidelines:

Avoid the Term "Suffer"

Instead of saying, "She suffers from epilepsy," say, "She has epilepsy" or "She experiences epilepsy."

Descriptive Language

When describing a condition, avoid labels. Instead of, "He is a diabetic," say, "He has diabetes." For mental health, instead of, "She has a mental health problem," say, "The individual faces challenges due to their mental illness."

Respectful Phrasing for Physical Disabilities

For physical disabilities, use respectful terms. Instead of saying, "He is wheelchair-bound," say, "He is a wheelchair user."

Following the Lead of Individuals

The best approach is to follow the lead of the individuals you are supporting. Respect their preferences and use the terms they are comfortable with.