Our experience has taught us that Abbotsford citizens want to welcome people with disabilities into their businesses and the community. We have compiled a few questions that people have asked in hope that it will help your relationship with our program participants.
Q – I work at McDonalds and when a person with a disability comes in with a support worker, should I speak to the person or the support worker?
A- Absolutely speak with the person you are serving. Make eye contact and speak to the person directly, if language is a barrier, then ask for back up from the worker.
Q- Sometimes at the mall, a person with a disability will come up and try to hug my child. I don’t want to be rude but what should I do?
A- Remind the person that they can say hello in a quiet voice but not to touch the child since they don’t know you and this might scare the child.
Q- I work at Costco as a food sampler. Often groups of people with special needs come into Costco to shop. I am not sure if I should ask the support worker if it’s okay for them to have a sample or just let them.
A- Treat the person with a disability in the same respectful way you would treat any other adult.
Q- I own a store and I like to give special needs adults small gifts when they come in like a cookie, candy, pencil etc. Should I offer the gifts?
A- It is fine to occasionally offer a treat as you would to anyone.
Q- Sometimes I see your groups in the store and they want an item but don’t have the money. Is it alright for me to offer to buy it for them?
A- Although it is a kind thought, it is not a good idea.
Tips:
* When you see us in the community, treat us as you would any adult.
* For persons with communication limitations it is okay to point, use pictures or written words to communicate.
* As a support worker in the community, I do this work because I like it. Please don’t think “I am a saint” or “very patient” or a “wonderful person”. This is my job and I do it because I choose too.
Discovery Program – Ken’s Story
Insert Ken’s Story and picture from the Annual Report 2006/2007.
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