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According to research done by WHO in 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people suffer from significant disabilities globally. This comprises 16% of the world population; in other words,1 in 6 individuals is disabled.
If you’re dealing with someone newly disabled, you would know it is overwhelming. It is difficult for the newly disabled individual to adapt to the new life. Moreover, it can be very difficult for you to treat them differently without being too obvious.
Once a healthy individual suddenly loses the option to live “normally,” it’s a huge shock to them. So, dive right in to know what you can do for them.
Behave naturally with them
Although the situation might not always help your cause, you must be mindful of how you’re greeting and talking to a person with disabilities.
Take extra care to not make them uncomfortable about their condition. More often than not, you might want to do or ask some things out of pure goodwill, but it might make them conscious of themselves.
So, stay normal and behave naturally with them as if they’re just like anyone else. However, practice a bit of caution in your mind as a very casual attitude also might not sit well.
Ask questions respectfully
If you truly desire to help someone with disabilities, asking them what they need rather than just stepping into their space and doing things will be best.
Just like you wouldn’t want someone to randomly step in and do things for you, the same applies to someone with disabilities.
Their condition does not imply that consent is redundant. It’s a different and new situation for you and them as well. So, it’s best to communicate and know where the other stands rather than acting upon assumptions.
Try and make communication easier
Realize that suddenly losing the ability to do things is a great loss. Communication is all that can make things easier for both them as well as their caregivers. Technology is making progress each day to make things easier for each and every one.
For instance, disability phones allow people with disabilities to avail the benefits of a phone without using their hands. This can help facilitate communication between the individual and their friends and family.
If you get this gadget for the disabled, you will help them experience a newfound means of reaching out to people and making things easier.
Don’t think or act on their behalf
Often while taking care of someone, you might start anticipating what they might need at the moment. Your assumptions might miss the mark to a great extent, making it difficult for both sides.
If you think and act on their behalf, you might make them feel small and incompetent. This can lead to them not being fond of you or your actions.
Communication is key, so if they need you to help them, stand up for them, or do something for them, they can quite easily request the same.
Offer help but don’t impose it
They might have lost their ability to function optimally in one way or another, but they haven’t lost their right to choose. You might want to help a person with disabilities, but they might not be ready to accept it.
Just like how you wouldn’t accept help just from anybody. You should respect this ideology and offer your help if you think it will benefit them.
In another scenario, many disabled people do not like to concern others by seeking help even when they need it. They might shy away, thinking they’re causing inconvenience to others.
This is another great place to offer your help rather than imposing it. Make sure that they are comfortable enough to take it and ask for more if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re taking care of a newly disabled individual, you might walk on eggshells for the first few days. It is difficult for them, just like it is for you, to adapt to the changed lifestyle.
Whether you’re taking care of such an individual or just meeting one, remember that communication is key. If you’re unsure where to start, you can start with the ways discussed in this article.
Image Credit: Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash