People with Cognitive Disabilities
- Say:
- My name is…. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
- I am a … (name your job).
- I am here because … (explain the situation).
- I look different than my picture on my badge because … (for example, if you are wearing protective equipment).
- Show:
- Your picture identification badge (as you say the above).
- That you are calm and competent.
- Give:
- Extra time for the person to process what you are saying and to respond.
- Respect for the dignity of the person as an equal and as an adult (for example, speak directly to the person).
- An arm to the person to hold as they walk. If needed, offer your elbow for balance.
- If possible, quiet time to rest (as possible, to lower stress and fatigue).
- Use:
- Short sentences.
- Simple, concrete words.
- Accurate, honest information.
- Pictures and objects to illustrate your words. Point to your ID picture as you say who you are, point to any protective equipment as you speak about it.
- Predict:
- What will happen (simply and concretely).
- When events will happen (tie to common events in addition to numbers and time, for example, "By lunchtime…" "By the time the sun goes down…").
- How long this will last – when things will return to normal (if you know).
- When the person can contact or rejoin loved ones (for example, calls to family, re-uniting pets).
- Ask for/Look for:
- An identification bracelet with special health information.
- Essential equipment and supplies (for example, wheelchair, walker, oxygen, batteries, communication devices [head pointers, alphabet boards, speech synthesizers, etc.]).
- Medication.
- Mobility aids (for example, assistance or service animal).
- Special health instructions (for example: allergies).
- Special communication information (for example, is the person using sign language)?
- Contact information.
- Signs of stress and/or confusion (for example, the person might say they are stressed, look confused, withdraw or start rubbing their hands together).
- Conditions that people might misinterpret (for example, someone might mistake Cerebral Palsy for drunkenness).
- Repeat:
- Reassurances (for example, "You may feel afraid. That's ok. We're safe now.").
- Encouragement (for example, "Thanks for moving fast. You are doing great. Other people can look at you and know what to do.").
- Frequent updates on what's happening and what will happen next. Refer to what you predicted will happen, (for example, "Just like I said before, we're getting into my car now. We'll go to… now.").
- Reduce:
- Distractions. (For example, lower volume of radio, use flashing lights on vehicle only when necessary).
- Explain:
- Any written material (including signs) in everyday language.
- Public address system announcements in simple language.
- Share:
- The information you've learned about the person with other workers who'll be assisting the person.