Some people have problems communicating because of their disability. Cerebral palsy, hearing loss or other conditions may make it difficult to pronounce words or may cause slurring or stuttering. The disability may also prevent a person from expressing themselves or prevent them from understanding written or spoken language.
Types of assistance used: communication board, paper and pen, speech generating device, support person.
Tips:
- Don’t assume that because a person has one disability, he or she also has another. For example, if a person has difficulty speaking, it doesn’t mean he or she has an intellectual or developmental disability as well.
- Ask the person to repeat the information if you don’t understand.
- Ask questions that can be answered “yes” or “no” if possible.
- Try to allow enough time to communicate with the person as he or she may speak more slowly.
- Don’t interrupt or finish the person’s sentences.