Tips on Providing Quality Healthcare to Individuals with Disabilities

Explain all procedures and exams as many times as necessary

Always ask the patient what positions are most comfortable for him/her during the exam.  Always ask the person if they need assistance before giving it.

Speak directly to the patient rather than through a companion.  Let the patient set the pace.

Be cautious not to over-attribute symptoms to the individual's primary disability.  Individuals need regular check-ups, screenings and health education.

Ask your patients with disabilities to give you regular feedback and suggestions to help you provide the best health care possible.  The lived experience of disability is an excellent resource.

When offering assistance to someone with a vision impairments, allow the person to take your arm.  This will help you guide rather that propel or lead. 

When greeting a person with a severe loss of vision, always identify yourself and others who may be with you.  Speak in a normal tone of voice, indicate when you move from one place to another, and let it be known when the conversation is at an end.

To get the attention of individuals with a hearing disability, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand.

Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips.  Not all person can lip read.  Those who can rely on facial expressions and other body language to help in understanding.

Attempt to keep your hands or food away from your mouth when speaking with individuals with hearing impairments.

Remember shouting won't help, written notes may help.