More Accessibility Tips - Accessible communication

General Accessible Communication Tips:

• Focus on the person rather than the disability.
• Approach the person from the front, face the person when you’re talking and avoid covering your mouth.
• Speak directly to the person, rather than to an attendant, companion or interpreter who may be facilitating the conversation.
• Do not change your volume or pace of speech.
• Do not speak loudly or slowly to a person with a disability. If the person is having difficulty hearing or understanding you, they will let you know.
• Use plain language and periodically verify if you are being understood. If not, rephrase and clarify.
• Where appropriate, try to get on eye level with the person to facilitate the conversation.
• If you think that someone may need help – ASK. Allow them the option of accepting, or refusing, your help.