Post #10 - Reflection (Week 5)

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Reflection

This week's learning we learned about hidden disabilities, developmental disabilities, mobility impairments, and brain injuries. Below are some of the things we have learned and some other items I have added to complement the lessons learned this week. 

Hidden Disabilities:  

  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Cancer

Access and Interactions: 

  • Provide an environment conducive to self-disclosure.
  • Once a person identifies as having a disability, a discussion can follow about what accommodations they need.
  • Ask questions that will help you understand.
Developmental Disabilities:
  • Down Syndrome
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
  • Fragile-X
Definition: Developmental disability is defined as having a severe or chronic disability. It is associated with mental/physical impairment, acquired before age 22, to be indefinite, functional limitations and defined by the accommodations needed. 

Access and Interactions:
  • Interact with the individual as a person. 
  • Do not talk about them if they are not present.
  • Break down concepts into small, easy-to-understand steps. 
  • Invite an advocate if needed when communicating with individuals with developmental disabilities. 
Mobility Impairments:
  • Amputation
  • Muscular Dystrophy 
  • MS
  • Polio
  • Spina Bifida
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
Mobility impairments can be acquired by birth, accidents, illness, injuries, or the process of aging. 

Access and Interactions:
  • Talk directly to the person using a wheelchair, not the attendant or third party.
  • Sit at eye level if the individual is in a wheelchair.
  • Do not use the terms "crippled" or "retard" instead use "person with a disability" or person who uses a wheelchair". 
  • Construct programs that adhere to their needs and the disability law/act. 
Brain Injuries: Acquired by automobile accidents, falls, assaults, and sports injuries. Total or partial impairment can affect both cognitive and physical functioning. 

Access and Interactions:
  • Keep the environment distraction-free.
  • Repeat important information about the purpose, duration, and guidelines for a workshop, class or meeting. 
  • Accentuate positive gains using frequent praise. 

Extra Material: 


Alberta Human Rights Act, RSA 2000, c A-25.5 [AHRA]: States that the AHRA protects individual from discrimination by the alberta government or persons in Alberta's sector based on a number of group funds including on the basis of physical disability or mental disability, and in respect of the following activities: notices (including newspaper ads, posters, publications, etc.); goods, services, accommodation or facilities customarily available to the public; employment practices or employment advertising; tenancy; and membership in a trade union. Find more info here: Human Rights in Alberta, and here: Access to Justice and Persons with Disabilities



If you are living with an invisible disability, this site has some great info on how to discuss and share it. Talking About Your Invisible Disability 









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