Independent Living Centre Kingston
Promoting a new perspective on disability
Empowerment Education Support

Accessibility Awareness Tips for Specific Disabilities 

For persons with Mobility and Agility Disabilities, keep in mind... 

* Ramped entrances 
* Lowered buttons in elevators
* Wheelchair accessible washrooms 
* Automatic or electric doors 
* Assessing furniture arrangements, clear paths between furniture 
* Minimizing variations in floor heights 
* Signage should be at eye level for people using wheelchairs & scooters
* Variety of chairs available & adjustable tables

For persons with Visual Disabilities, keep in mind...

* Office orientation 
* Clear pathways and assess furniture layout 
* Materials available in alternate format 
* Introduce yourself  and use your regular speaking voice 
* Do not interact with guide dogs

For persons with Intellectual Disabilities, keep in mind... 

* You may have to alter the way you provide information. 
* Examples include: 
o Repeating instructions 
o Breaking down tasks 
o Using visual instructions 
o Speaking clearly and concisely / refraining from speaking too quickly / using complex words combining too many concepts 
o Speaking in a way that is age appropriate 
o Asking the person to repeat the instructions in their own words 
* Be creative and open to looking at different forms of communication 

For persons with Speech Disabilities, keep in mind... 

* Be patient  the person may need considerable time to communicate 
* Do not assume that the person has an intellectual or cognitive disability
* Ask if she or he requires an interpreter 
* Don't finish his or her sentences 
* Use your normal speaking voice 
* Learn her or his pattern of communication



For persons with Acquired Brain Injuries, keep in mind... 

* Alternate formats (print, audio tape, etc.) 
* Minimal distractions 
* Verbal and written instructions 
* Breaking down assignments into parts 
* Repetition 
* Use concrete examples when explaining something 
* Organize information sequentially 
* Patience when it comes to emotion

For persons with Psychiatric Disabilities, keep in mind... 

* Asking the individual about how she or he does the job 
* Flexible work routines 
* Sensitivity to behavioural changes 
* Awareness that assumptions and prejudices in society impact the individual in many ways

For persons with Learning Disabilities, keep in mind... 

* Learning disabilities are related to a person's ability to process information. 
* Keeping information and communication clear includes: 
o Minimal distractions 
o Using verbal and written instructions 
o Breaking down assignments 
o Repetition 
o Use concrete examples when explaining something 
o Organizing information sequentially

For persons with Hearing Disabilities, keep in mind... 

* Ask the person about communication, how to they best communicate
* Speak directly to the person using regular speaking voice 
* Don't raise your voice or exaggerate your lip movements 
* Face the person directly 
* Keep your hands away from your mouth when talking 
* Writes notes if necessary 
* Good lighting


Independent Living Centre Kingston * Accessibility Awareness Tips for Specific Disabilities	p. 1