CROSSROADS NSW

Treat us as people with dignity and feelings.

If we experience delusions or a sense of paranoia, acknowledge that they are real for us, but keep us in touch with reality by saying that you see things differently.

If we have an obsessive-compulsive disorder where we continually perform certain rituals, eg hand washing, do not nag, this may increase our anxiety. Encourage us to seek professional help.

If we are depressed, listen to our feeling. Don't tell us to snap out of it. We would if we could! Try to stop us from isolating ourselves from others.

If we talk about suicide don't panic, but take our feelings seriously.

We may well be able to participate in activities but be understanding with us if we cannot make long term commitments. We may not be able to predict day to day how our illness will affect us.

When you are greeting us, identify who you are.

Explain to us when we are in new situations, where things are located.

If we have a guide dog, don't distract it from its job.

Offer your assistance when and if needed. Extend your elbow to us if you are guiding us. Don't grab or push us.

When you are leaving the room, it is helpful if you tell us.

Keep doors totally open or totally closed.

Don't be afraid of using words like "see" in your conversation.

It is helpful if you keep objects in the same place as you left them, unless you have shown us where you have moved them to.

It is helpful if you explain to us what is going on in a new situation.

It is not necessary to shout at us.

We have feelings just like everybody else and we can usually understand what is said. Sometimes we may take a little longer to respond.

Speak to us in the same friendly manner as you would to anyone else. Use straightforward language and simple sentences.

Don't talk about us with someone else, within our hearing.

Encourage us to do things for ourselves.

If our behaviour is inappropriate, be understanding and firm with us as you explain what you need from us.

We need to be needed. We are gifted. Take time to find out what our strengths are. We will surprise ourselves, and you too.

Think of us as people first. Our disability is secondary to our God-given self.

Allow us to share our stories with you. We might just have the same fanaticism about football as you do.

Ask first whether help is required. Try to follow instructions to the letter. Don't be surprised if we say "No". Allow us to be independent. Don't be surprised if we say "Yes". We are having a lazy day.

Speak to us about our needs directly. Don't speak to us through a third person.

Don't let your stock of disability jokes or your reference to other people with disabilities be a substitute for conversation on deeper, broader issues.

Assume that we have normal intelligence, unless you discover otherwise. In any event, don't patronise us.

Always try to sit at the same level as we do when you talk to us - so we don't end up with a cricked neck.

When you are wheeling us and another walking friend joins the group for a conversation, turn the wheelchair around so we don't have to turn our heads like corkscrews to join the conversation.

Give yourself time to get to know us. Avoid bustling or rushing if you can help it. The words "Take your time" can be gospel for us.

Don't take our sticks too far away from us - they are our lifeline.

Ask whether help is required in the event of slippery surfaces, rugs, etc.

If you are talking to us for any length of time, make sure we are seated (not standing interminably).

Hydraulic doors and lift doors can be a problem for us. Do what you can to slow them down.

If we are going upstairs, ask how you can help and follow instructions carefully. Otherwise we may go head over turkey.

Ask us whether a hard seat or pew would be appropriate. A hip or knee replacement may require us to place our leg horizontally when we are seated.

Some muscular disorders are hidden. We may need to get up and move periodically - otherwise a joint may lock up. Please be understanding and offer help if necessary.

If we have a seizure, remain calm and observant.

Remove any dangerous objects that may cause injury to us.

Ensure where possible to protect our heads.

Do not place anything in our mouths.

Do not restrain our movement.

Place us in a recovery position where possible.

When a seizure is finished, we often feel very disorientated and unaware of what has happened. Allow us to rest.

It is not usually necessary to seek medical help unless seizures continue for an extended duration. If so, call a doctor or ambulance immediately.

Attract our attention first, before you talk to us.

Don't turn your face away from us when you talk to us. We need to see your lips and your facial expression.

It is not necessary to shout at us. Shouting may distort the sounds we hear. If we cannot hear, try saying your message another way.

Try to eliminate background noise when you talk to us.

Exaggerated mouth movements are not necessary. Speak normally.

If possible, speak with light shining on your face rather than with light shining in our eyes.

Don't let a microphone obscure your lips, and it is helpful to keep your head up when you speak to us.

Those of us who have a T-switch on our hearing aid, are in ecstacy when hearing loops are installed in public buildings. This helps us to receive an uninterrupted message, free from extraneous noise.

Be aware that even a hearing aid does not ensure we have perfect hearing.

Try to give your full, unhurried attention.

We may have alternate means of communication, including writing.

Feel free to ask us to repeat ourselves.

Reduce the tendency to complete words or sentences for us.