Cognitive Disability Etiquette

title: cognitive disability etiquette left column top: --When speaking to someone who has a cognitive disability, try to be alert to their responses so that you can adjust your method of communication if necessary. --Some disabled folks (perceptual auditory etc.) may need to have directions repeated and may take notes of or record an interaction to help them remember directions or sequence of task. --People with brain injuries may have short-term memory deficits and may repeat themselves or require information to be repeated. left column lower-down: People with perceptual or “sensory overload” problems may become disorientated or confused if there is too much to absorb at once. Provide information gradually and clearly. right column: Repeat information using different wording or a different communication approach. Allow time for the information to be fully understood. -- Don’t pretend to understand if you don’t, ask the person to repeat what was said. -- In conversation, people may respond slowly, so give them time. Be patient, flexible and supportive. -- Some people who have a cognitive disability may be easily distracted. Try not to interpret distraction as rudeness. Instead, try to redirect politely. bottom: Reduce background noise if possible. United Cerebral Palsy ucp.org