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