Cognitive Disability Etiquette

title: cognitive disability etiquette

left column top: 
--When speaking to someone who has a cognitive disability, try to be alert to their responses so that you can adjust your method of communication if necessary.
--Some disabled folks (perceptual
auditory etc.) may need to have
directions repeated and may take
notes of or record an interaction to help them remember directions or sequence of task.
--People with brain injuries may
have short-term memory deficits
and may repeat themselves or
require information to be repeated.

left column lower-down: 
People with perceptual or “sensory overload” problems
may become disorientated or confused if there is too much to absorb at once. Provide information gradually and clearly.

right column: 

Repeat information using different wording or a different communication approach. Allow
time for the information to be
fully understood.
Don’t pretend to understand if
you don’t, ask the person to repeat what was said.
In conversation, people may
respond slowly, so give them
time. Be patient, flexible and
Some people who have a cognitive disability may be easily
distracted. Try not to interpret
distraction as rudeness. Instead, try to redirect politely.

Reduce background noise if possible.

United Cerebral Palsy