Communicating with Customers with Disabilities

The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Standard states that all business must communicate with persons with disabilities in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability. Let’s discuss how take into account a person with a Visual Disability.

Visual disabilities reduce a person's ability to see clearly.  There are many degrees of vision loss. Few people with vision loss are totally blind. Many have limited vision. People with vision loss may use a guide dog or a white cane. Others may not. You may not always be able to tell if a person has vision loss. As people age, some may lose their vision slowly.

Here are some tips on how to interact with people with a visual disability.

• Identify yourself when you approach the person and speak directly to them.
• Speak normally and clearly.
• Never touch the person without asking permission, unless it's an emergency.
• Offer your arm (the elbow) to guide the person and walk slowly.
• Don't touch or address service animals — they are working and have to pay attention at all times.
• If you're giving directions or verbal information, be precise and clear. For example, if you're approaching a door or an obstacle, say so.
• Identify landmarks or other details to orient the person to the environment around them.
• Don't walk away without saying good-bye.

What else can you do to help a customer with a visual disability feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone with a visual disability??  How can this help you when communicating with them?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca