How to Support Someone With a Disability

When it comes to dealing with people with a disability; many feel inadequate and fearful. The desire to support and help are often outweighed by the insecurity associated with doing or saying the wrong thing. The first step to support someone dealing with a disability is to realize that the disabled person is not helpless. Your support, no matter how unsure you are, can mean the world.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Talk about the limitations the person with the disability faces. Work together to figure out ways you can offer assistance to overcome them. For example, if the person has trouble verbally communicating, decide on some secret signals that can alert you.

2. Communicate with family members and other friends of the person with the disability. Ask them for suggestions about what your friend specifically needs. Offer to help with respite care or transportation to doctors and hospitals.
   
   

3. Regularly do fun activities in public places. Go out to dinner, the movies, a park, church, shopping and strolling. Invite the person with the disability to join groups or clubs to which you belong. Introduce your friend and others in your life to help broaden his social circle.

4. Take initiative to help an individual with a disability. No one likes to constantly ask for help, so do kind things without being asked.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid of rejection. Often if a person with a disability has been snubbed in the past, she may be reluctant to open up.
• Giving the prime care giver a break is a wonderful idea.
• If you want more ways to help, contact a local support group for people with disabilities.