Tips for talking to people with a disability
Too often a lack of knowledge about disability, or understanding of how people manage disability day-to-day, prevents people from interacting with each other.
People with a disability have the same interests, aspirations, skills and faults as anyone else. In fact, when you have a conversation with a person with a disability, you will probably find you have plenty of stories and experiences to share.
Respecting individual needs and appreciating personal experiences will help us all see beyond the disability and help create a stronger, more supportive and welcoming community. Jack Murphy and
Rachael Brook, who featured in this year's Disability Action Week campaign, share their views and ask their fellow Queenslanders to ‘Let's talk about it' and not let ignorance or fear be a barrier to conversation.
Jack Murphy
Born blind, 19-year-old Jack Murphy has pursued his passions of music and sport. He has played the guitar since he was eight and performed at a wide variety of venues. His real love is to perform for an audience, and he loves the challenge of engaging the crowd to sing along with him. Adding composing and studio work to his list of musical accomplishments, Jack hopes to make music his profession.
Sport also occupies a great deal of Jack's time. He is a member of the Australian Blind Cricket Team and also plays competitive SWISH (a modified game of ping-pong). Jack asks that people interact with him the same way as they would with anyone else, and not to be worried that you might say the wrong thing.
"Nothing really offends me," he says. "Sometimes people say to me ‘Did you see that?' and then get all embarrassed they've said it because I'm blind. It doesn't worry me. Don't worry that you're going to say the wrong thing.
"Don't be afraid to talk to me."
Rachael Brook
Mouth painter Rachael Brook has been painting and drawing since she was eight. Rachael has cerebral palsy, the result of her heart stopping for a few seconds during birth. She cannot control her limbs but this has not stopped her experiencing life to the full, including skydiving, ultra-light flying and abseiling.
Rachael talks with aid of a computer and loves to share her passion for art. "I think we need artists because without us the world would be colourless and plain," she says.
This creative woman invites others to talk with her about her passion for art and what inspires her - anything she sees that is magical, what lies inside of her, and music.
"When you get to know me you realise I don't bite," she says.
How to communicate better with people with a disability
- Treat people with a disability with the same respect and consideration you have for everyone else.
- Don't assume what a person can or can't do.
- Speak to people with a disability directly, not through their carer, assistant or interpreter.
- Ask before you help - don't just jump in.
- Can't understand what's being said? Don't pretend - ask again.
- Take some time - people with some kinds of disability may take a little longer to understand and respond.
- Some disabilities are invisible. Get to know people.
- Guide dogs are working dogs. Never pat or speak to a guide dog while it's wearing a harness.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2009