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 Speech or Language Disability.

Some people have problems communicating. It could be due to cerebral palsy, hearing loss or another condition that makes it difficult to pronounce words or causes slurring or stuttering.  Others may use a communication board or other assistive device to help them communicate. 

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

• Just because a person has one disability doesn't mean they have another, don't assume they have an intellectual or developmental disability as well.
• If you don't understand, ask the person to repeat the information.
• If possible, ask questions that can be answered ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
• Be patient and polite. Give the person whatever time they need to get their point across.
• Don't interrupt or finish the person's sentences. Wait for them to finish.

What else can you do to help a customer with a speech or language disability feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone with a speech or language 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

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 Learning Disability.

Learning disabilities are information processing disorders. They can affect how a person acquires, organizes, expresses, retains, understands or uses verbal or non-verbal information. You may not know that a person has a learning disability unless you are told. People with learning difficulties may have problems communicating because they have problems, reading, in mathematics or with writing.

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

• Patience and a willingness to find a way to communicate are your best tools.
• Speak normally and clearly, and directly to the person.
• Take some time — people with some kinds of learning disabilities may take a little longer to understand and respond.
• Try to find ways to provide information in a way that works best for them.
• Be courteous and patient. The person will let you know how to best provide service in a way that works for them.

What else can you do to help a customer with a learning disability feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone with a learning 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

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 Physical Disability.

There are many types and degrees of physical disabilities. Not all physical disabilities require a wheelchair.  People who have arthritis, heart or lung conditions or amputations may also have difficulty with moving, standing or sitting.  Some people develop physical disabilities after an accident or require some assistance temporarily.

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

• Speak normally and directly to your customer.
• People with physical disabilities often have their own ways of doing things. Ask before you help.
• Be patient. People will tell you what they need.
• Don't touch assistive devices, including wheelchairs, unless it's an emergency.
• Remove obstacles and rearrange furniture so they have clear passage.

What else can you do to help a customer with a physical disability feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone with a physical 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

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 Developmental or Intellectual Disabilities.

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities may find it hard to do many things most of us take for granted.  These disabilities can mildly or profoundly limit their ability to learn, socialize and take care of their everyday needs.  You may not be able to know that someone has this disability unless you are told.

Here are some tips on how to interact with people with developmental or intellectual disabilities:

• Don't assume what a person can or cannot do.
• Use plain language and speak in short sentences.
• Make sure the person understands what you've said.
• If you can't understand what's being said, just ask again.
• Provide one piece of information at a time.
• Be supportive and patient.
• Speak directly to the person, not to their companion or attendant.

What else can you do to help a customer with developmental or intellectual disabilities feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone with a developmental or intellectual 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