Tips:  Other tips and suggestions for interacting with students; in and out of the classroom.

There are no strict rules when it comes to interacting with students with disabilities; however, here are some helpful suggestions.

• Whenever possible attempt to include the student with a disability in classroom activities.

• Be patient with the student and considerate of the extra time it might take for students with certain types of disabilities, such as speech impairment, hearing impairment or a physical disability, to get things said or done.

• Do not talk for the person who has difficulty speaking and do not consider a companion to be a conversation go between. Even if the student has an interpreter present, speak directly to the student, not the interpreter.

• Listen carefully and ask people with speech impairments to repeat what they have said if you did not understand them the first time.

• Keep in mind that a variety of disabling conditions require that medications be taken. These medications may have varying degrees of side effects, some of which can alter the student's ability to process information or remain fully alert and focused in the classroom.

• The student is encouraged to notify the instructor of any special needs he/she may have in the event of an emergency or evacuation of the classroom. If you are concerned about such emergency procedures, please consult with the student and/or DSPS staff.

• Refer to the person's disability only if it is relevant to the conversation.
• Ask a person with a disability if he/she needs help before helping and abide by their answer.

• Refer to the person first and then the disability. For example, saying "a man who is blind" is more appropriate than the "blind man" because this emphasizes the person first rather than the condition.

• Avoid negative descriptions of a person's disability. For example, "a person who uses a wheel chair is more appropriate than "a person confined to a wheelchair. 

• Students with disabilities, like all of us, have a full range of abilities.  Try to focus on the person's abilities; what they can do rather than on what they cannot.

• Respond to students with disabilities with the same respect and consideration as given to all other students. 

• If you have questions while working with students with disabilities please contact DSPS. We are here to provide all students with the finest educational opportunities and most effective services possible to ensure their success.